Accident Overview
A single-engine aircraft operating a local geophysical mission departed from Yeniseysk under good weather conditions. The flight was destined for the Baykit region, carrying two passengers and three crew members. En route, weather conditions deteriorated, and visibility became limited due to low clouds. The crew reduced altitude to 65 meters to maintain visual contact with the ground.
Sequence of Events
While flying at low altitude, the pilot-in-command encountered trees ahead and decided to climb. At a speed of 115 km/h, the aircraft struck the treetops and subsequently crashed in wooded, hilly terrain. All five occupants were uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was that the crew continued the flight at an unsafe altitude until the aircraft contacted trees and crashed.