What happened
On the morning of the accident, a single-engine aircraft departed from Morozov at 07:08 local time. The mission was a scheduled crop spraying operation conducted for the Rodnik Farm. Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was maintaining a low altitude during its cruise phase, the landing gear made contact with a 3-meter high embankment.
This impact caused the aircraft to flip over, resulting in an inverted crash into a drainage ditch located approximately 4 km south of the village. The impact destroyed the airframe. There was one fatality involving the pilot, who was the only person on board at the time of the event.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary cause of the accident was the collision between the main landing gear wheels and an irrigation canal embankment. This contact compromised the structural integrity of the landing gear, leading to a subsequent impact with the water in the canal and causing the aircraft to nose over.
Several contributing factors were identified during the inquiry:
- The pilot experienced a sudden loss of operational capability due to acute cardiovascular insufficiency following a recurrent myocardial infarction.
- There was evidence suggesting that hypertension and the potential presence of ethyl alcohol in the pilot's blood may have influenced his health and performance.
- The flight was being conducted with an incomplete crew.
- The lack of seat belts on the crew seats likely contributed to the fatal outcome for the pilot.