Fatal Skydiving Sortie Crash at Kalachevo Airport (RA-0257G)

Incident Overview and Location Details A single-engine aircraft was conducting local skydiving operations at Kalachevo Airport, situated approximately 24 kilometers south of Chelyabinsk. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff while the aircraft was climbing to an altitude of about 100 meters. The aircraft subsequently stalled and impacted a snow-covered field located 1.5 kilometers north of the airfield. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft, and all eight occupants on board were killed. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact date of the incident. ## Official Probable Cause Findings The official investigation determined that the accident was the consequence of a stall during the initial climb phase. This outcome was attributed to a combination of several factors. First, there was a violation of the climb procedures regarding speed. Second, the aircraft's flight performances were not met because it was operated for skydiving purposes despite not being intended for that type of flight. Third, the total weight of the aircraft exceeded its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). Fourth, the aircraft lacked a system capable of informing the pilot of an imminent stall. Finally, the stall occurred at a relatively low altitude, which did not allow the pilot sufficient opportunity to expect recovery.