Accident Summary
A single-engine cargo airplane conducting a flight from Ust-Nera to Vyun with two pilots and a load of equipment for a local gold mine experienced a landing gear failure while landing on unprepared terrain. The undercarriage collapsed, causing the aircraft to slide on its belly before coming to rest. Both pilots were uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage beyond repair. The accident site was recorded at coordinates N 65° 54' E 138° 20'.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from Ust-Nera, carrying a load of various equipment intended for employees of a nearby gold mine. After arriving at Vyun, the pilots initiated a landing on an unprepared surface. During touchdown, the right main landing gear strut failed, leading to the complete collapse of the undercarriage. The airplane then slid on its belly and eventually came to a stop. Both pilots escaped without injury. The aircraft was damaged beyond economic repair and written off.
Probable Cause
Official investigation findings determined that the accident occurred due to the destruction of the right main landing gear strut upon landing. Contributing factors were identified as unsatisfactory performance of the welded joint in the strut's manufacture, where welding cracks had formed in a highly stressed zone, and pilot errors that resulted in an early landing, which was possibly rough and conducted on an unprepared area that may have contained obstacles.