Accident Details
The aircraft departed Ekimchan on a flight to Chumikan with an intermediate stop in Udskoye, carrying two pilots, one passenger, and a load of food. Eight minutes after takeoff, while flying in poor weather conditions, the aircraft struck the slope of Mt Bryus (1,767 metres high) located in the Selemja Mountain Range, approximately 19 km east of Ekimchan. The wreckage was located 12 days later at an altitude of 1,560 metres. All three occupants were killed.
Investigation Findings
Official findings determined that the accident was a controlled flight into terrain after the crew decided to continue the flight under VFR mode in IMC conditions. Investigators noted that it is possible the crew lost their sense of orientation shortly after takeoff.