Flight Overview
The accident occurred during a crop spraying operation conducted for the kolkhoz 'Krasny Partizan' located north of Taganrog in the Rostov oblast. The flight was undertaken without air traffic control authorization.
Accident Sequence
While en route, the crew encountered weather conditions below operational minima. Thick fog resulted in very low visibility. While completing a right turn at low altitude, the pilot suffered spatial disorientation and lost control of the aircraft. The airplane subsequently crashed into a snow-covered field approximately 5,750 meters west of Nikolayevo-Kozlovski.
Casualties
Both pilots were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a loss of control after the crew suffered spatial disorientation in flight.