Accident Overview
The pilot, the sole occupant, departed Ozeryany on a private flight to Gardychyvka. En route, weather conditions deteriorated with low clouds and fog. The pilot decided to continue the flight and reduced altitude to maintain visual contact with the ground. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground and crashed in a snow-covered field. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation identified several findings. The documentation was incomplete: there was no insurance certificate on board, no flying permit, and no Certificate of Airworthiness. The flight was conducted with only the pilot, without a copilot. The pilot did not inform air traffic control or the Ukraine Army about the flight and did not receive permission to perform it. When weather conditions worsened and visibility dropped below minimums, the pilot failed to return or divert to an alternate airport, instead continuing and reducing altitude until the aircraft impacted the ground. Weather information obtained by the pilot prior to the flight did not correspond to the actual and forecast weather at the time of departure. Additionally, the operation of the aircraft with the ASh-62IR engine (serial number K1641652) was prohibited.