Accident Overview
A crew was completing a local training flight at Elista Airport. While flying at an altitude of 200–250 meters, the engine caught fire. The pilot decided to return to Elista for an emergency landing.
Final Approach and Crash
On final approach, at a height of approximately 25–30 meters, fuel vapors exploded. The aircraft crashed in flames about 2 kilometers from the airport. All three crew members on board were killed.
Official Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident. The engine caught fire and exploded due to poor maintenance on the part of the technicians. Specifically, the investigation revealed that the mechanic responsible for the last maintenance of the aircraft failed to properly tighten the fuel tap. Additionally, the mechanic's supervisor did not carry out checks and failed to ensure that the work had been performed according to procedures.