What happened
During a routine training mission operating out of Elista Airport, the crew was performing maneuvers at altitudes ranging between 200 and 250 meters. During this flight phase, the aircraft's engine ignited, prompting the pilot to initiate an emergency return to the airfield.
As the aircraft approached for its final landing, it reached an altitude of approximately 25 to 30 meters when a sudden explosion of fuel vapors occurred. The impact and subsequent fire caused the aircraft to crash roughly 2 km from the airport perimeter. The accident resulted in three fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident identified that the initial engine fire and the following explosion were the results of improper maintenance procedures. Specifically, it was determined that a technician failed to correctly tighten the fuel tap during the most recent service interval. Furthermore, the oversight was compounded by a lack of supervisory inspection, as the responsible supervisor did not verify that the maintenance tasks had been completed in accordance with established safety protocols.