What happened
A single-engine aircraft was conducting a local training mission departing from Leningrad-Rzhevka Airport with two pilots and three passengers on board. Shortly after departing the runway, the aircraft experienced significant difficulty climbing to its intended altitude. While attempting a 180-degree turn at an altitude of approximately 20 meters, the plane made contact with treetops while traveling at 105 km/h. This impact caused the aircraft to stall and crash into a forested area situated roughly 2 km southeast of the airfield, where it subsequently caught fire.
The accident resulted in four fatalities and one passenger sustained serious injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the accident revealed that the aircraft was operating with a total weight that exceeded its maximum takeoff weight by 217 kilograms, although the center of gravity remained within permissible limits. Additionally, it was noted that the engine suffered a loss of power approximately 15 seconds after the aircraft left the ground, though the specific reason for this power loss remains undetermined.