What happened
In an effort to prevent a scheduled flight to Svetly from becoming a night operation, the crew accelerated the departure process due to late-arrupting passengers. This rushed departure resulted in the omission of essential pre-flight protocols, specifically the failure to perform an engine runup before taxiing and takeoff. During the taxi phase, the aircraft exhibited issues with controllability, prompting the crew to adjust the propeller lever to the fine pitch position.
As the takeoff sequence commenced, the crew failed to verify that the propeller lever had been returned to the proper takeoff setting. Shortly after liftoff, at an altitude of approximately 3 to 5 meters, the aircraft struggled to maintain sufficient speed and climb height. The crew attempted to execute an emergency landing, but the aircraft struck trees and came to rest in a wooded area. Although the aircraft was destroyed, all 15 occupants survived the incident without injury.
Findings
- The crew bypassed standard engine runup procedures to expedite departure.
- The propeller lever was left in the fine pitch position during takeoff.
- Inadequate checks during the takeoff roll led to the improper engine configuration.