What happened
A charter flight departing from Bulun for Tiksi resulted in an accident involving a single-engine airplane. The flight was transporting 21 schoolboys, three crew members, and a cargo of fish. Before the aircraft departed, the flight engineer and co-pilot notified the captain that the plane was exceeding its maximum weight capacity; however, the decision was made to proceed with the takeoff.
During the initial climb, at an altitude of approximately 20 to 25 meters, the aircraft experienced a significant pitch-up motion and entered a critical angle of attack. As control of the aircraft became unstable, the captain attempted an emergency landing. The plane ultimately crashed into a field. The accident resulted in 24 injuries and the total destruction of the aircraft.
Findings
The investigation determined that the crash was the result of inadequate flight preparation by the captain and improper decision-making regarding the aircraft's weight limits.