Accident Details
On a positioning flight from Kharyaga to Ust-Tsilma, the engine failed shortly after takeoff. The crew attempted to return to the airport but did not have sufficient altitude and speed. After passing over a telegraph line, the left wing struck the ground and the aircraft impacted the tundra approximately 400 meters short of the runway. Both pilots and both passengers, who were aircraft mechanics, were killed.
Background
The day prior to the accident, the crew had completed flight SU917 from Ust-Tsilma to Kharyaga via Novy Bor. That flight was interrupted in Kharyaga due to engine problems, and two technicians were dispatched to Kharyaga Airport.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be an engine failure for undetermined reasons.