Event
The accident occurred when a crop spraying aircraft, operating on behalf of the collective farm 'Rossiya' situated roughly 40 km north of Brest, was used in the evening for an unauthorized local flight. The crew had embarked two unauthorized passengers. While cruising at a low altitude of 15 to 20 meters, the pilot-in-command performed a steep bank to the left. The aircraft reached a 45° angle of roll, at which point the left wing impacted the ground about 600 meters southwest of Doūbizna. After striking the ground, the aircraft became uncontrollable and crashed 89 meters further, where it was consumed by fire. All four persons aboard—the pilot, copilot, and two passengers—perished.
Investigation
The official investigation established that the flight was unauthorized and that the pilots had deliberately taken two passengers. Furthermore, both pilots were found to be intoxicated. Blood alcohol tests showed a concentration of 2.3‰ in the captain and 1.6‰ in the copilot.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as determined by the investigation, was the decision of the crew to conduct an unauthorized local flight with two passengers while both pilots were under the influence of alcohol.