Incident Details
The crew departed Polyarny Airport on a cargo flight destined for Olenek. En route, weather conditions worsened, with mist, low clouds, and icing conditions reported. The crew made the decision to return to Polyarny. During the return journey, the engine lost power. Unable to maintain a safe altitude, the captain attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft crash landed in rough terrain.
Injuries and Damage
All three occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. The damage was so extensive that the aircraft could not be repaired.
Probable Cause
According to official findings, the following contributing factors were identified: a possible unpremeditated entry into conditions with severe icing and late decision making by the captain to manoeuvre the aircraft away from the icing area; a loss of engine power and a subsequent loss of speed due to icing of the carburetor; and the failure of the captain to remove ice from the propeller blades by changing their pitch mode.