What happened
During the initial climb phase at Omsk Airport, an aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 10 meters before the pilot-in-command responded to an unforeseen issue by decreasing engine power. This action was reportedly an attempt to perform an emergency landing. Following this reduction in power, the plane experienced a left bank and subsequently stalled. The aircraft impacted a field located roughly 180 meters beyond the runway end and 128 meters to the left of the runway centerline, crashing in an inverted position and catching fire.
Of the occupants on board, 11 fatalities were recorded at the scene, while two passengers and the co-pilot sustained serious injuries. Tragically, both surviving passengers succumbed to their injuries the following day, bringing the total death toll to 13.
Findings
Investigations revealed that the aircraft's rudder had been secured in a locked position by ground technicians at the Omsk Airport apron to protect against high winds. The investigation identified several critical failures leading to the accident:
- Ground personnel failed to notify the flight crew that the rudder was locked.
- The crew did not complete the required pre-takeoff checklist.
- A visual inspection of the aircraft was not performed by the crew prior to departure.
- Standard operating procedures for takeoff were not followed.
- The crew failed to perform necessary control surface tests, including checks of the rudder, ailerons, and elevators, during the taxi phase.