Accident
On the day of the accident, the single-engine aircraft departed Rovno Airport at 1407 LT bound for Vladimirets. On board were 13 passengers and two pilots. During pre-flight preparation, neither meteorological nor operational personnel informed the crew about possible weather deterioration along the route. Two minutes after takeoff, air traffic control (ATC) alerted the crew about an approaching cold front with turbulence and rain located approximately 10 km ahead. The crew did not respond to this message and continued the flight.
Eight minutes later, while flying at low altitude in heavy rain, the engine failed. The aircraft lost height, struck tree tops, and crashed in a forested area. All 15 occupants sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation
The investigation determined that the engine failure was caused by an excessive amount of rainwater entering the engine compartment. The water entered through hoods that had not been closed in a timely manner.
Probable Cause
According to the official findings, the probable causes were poor flight preparation by the crew, as well as by meteorological and operational personnel, and the pilot's failure to return when weather conditions worsened.