Accident Overview
While engaged in a crop spraying operation at the Duksha sovkhoz (252 acres), located approximately 72 km north of Magadan, the crew experienced a fatal accident. Five to six minutes after takeoff, the aircraft was flying en route to the spraying area at an altitude of 10–20 meters. The pilot-in-command initiated a right turn as the aircraft approached a forested area. During the turn, the right wing struck tree tops, causing the airplane to stall and subsequently crash in flames. The accident occurred about 60 km from Magadan, near the Khasyn River.
Aircraft and Occupants
The aircraft was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire. Both occupants—the pilot-in-command and another crew member—were killed in the accident. No other details about the aircraft type, registration, or engine configuration have been specified in the source.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident: violation of published procedures on the part of the crew. Specifically, the crew was flying at an insufficient altitude and misjudged the distance from the aircraft to obstacles, leading to the collision with tree tops and subsequent loss of control.