What happened
During a routine crop spraying mission, the pilot of an AN-2R experienced a sudden loss of engine power. In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot directed the aircraft toward a field located approximately 2 kilometers from Sofyevka in the Stavropol krai. Upon contacting the ground, the aircraft rolled over and landed in an inverted position. The impact triggered a fire that caused partial destruction of the airframe. The pilot was able to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the incident were significantly hindered because the wreckage was moved and disposed of prior to the arrival of the accident investigation commission. Consequently, the MAK was unable to perform a technical analysis to identify the specific reason for the engine failure. Records indicate that the aircraft, which carried the official registration RA-68122 (and a secondary registration of FLA-34906), was not in a legal state for flight. The PZL-Mielec AN-2R lacked a valid Certificate of Airworthiness, and the pilot was operating the aircraft without the required license for this specific model. The zero fatalities were reported, though the aircraft was heavily damaged by the post-crash fire.