Accident Overview
A crew dispatched for crop spraying operations in the Popovka region on behalf of the Kotova state farm experienced a crash after conducting an unauthorized pleasure flight. The accident resulted in two passenger fatalities and three injuries.
Circumstances
Due to a scarcity of spray products, the crew observed a day off and consumed alcohol throughout the day. In the afternoon, the crew decided to make a local private flight without permission and illegally embarked three members of the state farm. Following hazardous maneuvers at low altitude, the pilot-in-command initiated a sharp left turn, causing the lower left wing to strike the ground. The airplane went out of control and crashed in flames 87 meters further into a field. Two passengers were killed, while three other occupants sustained injuries.
Official Findings
The official probable cause states that the crew decided to perform a local pleasure flight without prior permission and embarked illegal passengers after consuming alcohol, reducing their capabilities and performance.