Accident Details
A crop spraying aircraft crashed on a cotton plantation approximately 45 kilometers from Shardara in southern Kazakhstan. The flight was part of a mission for the sovkhoz of 'Lenin', tasked with spraying insecticides on cotton fields.
After takeoff, the engine did not operate properly, and the crew struggled to gain sufficient altitude. The aircraft passed over trees at a speed below 120 km/h, then struck the tops of poplars that were 30 meters high, located 2,190 meters from the departure point. The airplane stalled and crashed 35 meters beyond the trees.
Casualties and Damage
The captain was killed instantly. The copilot, injured and trapped in the cockpit, called for help. Approximately 3 to 5 minutes later, the engine caught fire. The aircraft was destroyed by the fire, and the copilot succumbed to injuries.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that two engine valves obstructed by calamine caused a loss of power, leading to a reduction in airspeed. Contributing factors included the aircraft's operation in a dusty environment, high outside air temperature, and poor fuel quality.