Accident
After delivering materials in Strelka-Chunya, the crew departed at 1126 local time on a ferry flight to Vanavara. Weather conditions were fine, with visibility of 6–10 km, light snow, and an outside air temperature of -25°C. En route, the single-engine airplane struck trees and crashed in a wooded area. When the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination, search and rescue operations were initiated. The wreckage was located two hours later approximately 78 km north of Vanavara. The aircraft was destroyed, and both pilots were killed.
Investigation
Investigators found that the engine was developing normal power at impact, and no technical issues were identified on the airplane or its components. Additionally, no failures or errors were attributed to the crew. The official investigation determined that the exact cause of the accident could not be established with certainty. The board opined that the accident was probably the consequence of an in-flight collision with a foreign object, as traces of blood were found on the windshield and the floor of the airplane. The crew did not send any distress call.