Accident Overview
A single-engine aircraft engaged in a crop spraying operation in the region of Knyazhichi, Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, was destroyed after overrunning the runway during its 16th takeoff of the day. The crew had completed 15 successful sorties earlier.
Takeoff and Overrun
The crew began the takeoff procedure from the third of the runway, which has a total length of 768 meters. After rolling for 577 meters, the aircraft failed to become airborne. The crew decided to abort the takeoff, but the decision came too late. The aircraft departed the runway, sank into a muddy field, and rolled for approximately 56 meters before coming to rest inverted.
Occupants and Damage
Both occupants exited the aircraft uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage beyond repair.
Probable Cause
Official findings identified the following factors:
- The crew did not use the entire runway length for the takeoff procedure (577 meters instead of the 768 meters available).
- The decision of the crew to reject takeoff was taken too late.
- The wind direction changed during the takeoff procedure and became a tailwind component.