What happened
On the day of the accident, the flight crew conducted several agricultural missions involving herbicide application in the Spassk-Dalni area. After completing an initial mission between 06:45 and 13:30, the aircraft returned to Gayvoron at 17:15 to take on 375 kg of pollination products. Following a subsequent resupply of 900 kg, the aircraft departed again at 20:20 for a mission targeting a wheat field.
While operating at an altitude of approximately 6 to 7 meters, the pilot-in-command initiated a left-hand turn at an angle of roughly 45 to 50 degrees. During this maneuver, the lower portion of the left wing made contact with the ground. The impact triggered a post-crash fire that consumed the aircraft. There were two fatalities among the crew members.
Findings
Investigations into the crash determined that the accident was the result of improper maneuvering techniques by the pilot, specifically performing a sharp turn while flying at an altitude that was too low to safely clear the terrain.