Incident Overview
A single-engine airplane departed Zhigansk at 0506 local time on a survey flight over the Dzhardzhan River. The mission, part of a water protection program, aimed to identify possible pollution. The aircraft operated at a height of 100 meters, occasionally descending to 50 meters to inspect boats.
Sequence of Events
En route, the captain asked the copilot to perform calculations for a new route to Sangar. While doing so, the copilot's attention was diverted from flying, and the captain also became distracted. The aircraft descended unnoticed until it struck the water surface.
Aftermath
The aircraft crashed and sank. Both pilots and one passenger were able to evacuate the cabin, but the second passenger drowned.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be: Loss of control in flight after the crew got distracted from flight operations.