What happened
At 12:28 local time, a single-engine aircraft departed from Ust-Kulom Airport, headed for Syktyvkar. On board were two crew members and seven passengers. The flight was accompanied by a second AN-2, registration CCCP-98382, which departed the same airport at the same time.
During the flight, weather conditions significantly deteriorated, causing the two aircraft to lose visual contact with one another. As the plane approached Syktyvkar, the crew received reports of heavy snow and visibility reduced to between 1,500 and 2,500 meters. Despite some difficulties with radio communications, the descent continued.
While descending at an altitude of approximately 150 meters and executing a right-hand turn, the pilot spotted the other AN-2 in their path. In an attempt to prevent a mid-air collision, the pilot performed a sudden, sharp turn. This maneuver resulted in a loss of control, causing the aircraft to strike the icy surface of the Vychegda River, roughly 13 km from the Syktyvkar main station.
Findings
The impact destroyed the aircraft and resulted in nine injuries. While all occupants initially survived the crash, one passenger later succumbed to their injuries four days after the accident. Investigators determined that the primary factor was the failure of air traffic control personnel to follow established procedures regarding aircraft separation and management during periods of poor weather.