What happened
A training mission involving a single-engine airplane departed from Buguruslan Airport at 13:32 local time. The aircraft was operated for instructional purposes, carrying a total of four people: the pilot, an instructor, and two cadets.
During the flight, the crew performed several circuits while maintaining an altitude of approximately 700 meters. At this time, weather conditions were noted as marginal due to ongoing snowfall. While descending to an altitude of 300 meters, the crew notified air traffic control that they had lost control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently descended into an open field in the Ponikla area, where it impacted the ground and caught fire. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and four fatalities.
Findings
While investigators could not establish a definitive cause for the accident, certain contributing factors were identified. It was reported that the engine experienced a failure during the flight after becoming cold due to operation in very low outside air temperatures. Additionally, the lack of proficiency and experience among the crew when operating in winter weather conditions was noted as a contributing element to the loss of control.