Fatal Accident (2) – Van’s RV-7/Cetus 704, RA-2296G, near Novolikeevo, Kstovsky district, Nizhny Novgorod region, Russia, February 20, 2025
ASX Investigation | ||||
On February 20, 2025, a Van’s RV-7 light aircraft, registered as RA-2296G, crashed in the Nizhny Novgorod region, Russia, near the village of Novolikeevo in the Kstovsky district. The aircraft was privately owned and was conducting a flight when it encountered anomalous circumstances leading to the accident. The incident resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the loss of both occupants on board. The aircraft, a Cetus 704 RA-2296G, experienced a loss of control during flight, which led to its impact near Kstovo-Vostochny Airfield. Initial reports from investigative bodies suggested that the two people on board had survived the crash with severe injuries; however, subsequent findings from the Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed that both the pilot and passenger did not survive. Following the crash, the aircraft was engulfed in flames, resulting in significant fire damage and destruction of key structural components. Authorities, including the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC), launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with forensic specialists assessing the wreckage and environmental factors that may have contributed to the incident. A criminal case was opened under Part 3 of Article 263 of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to violations of transport safety regulations resulting in fatalities. The Nizhny Novgorod Transport Prosecutor’s Office and local law enforcement were also involved in evaluating compliance with aviation regulations. Eyewitnesses and initial reports suggested that the aircraft may have suffered from a technical failure or pilot-induced control loss, though weather conditions and possible human factors are still under review. The post-impact fire has complicated forensic examinations, as most of the aircraft’s instrumentation and structural elements were destroyed. The Central MCUT Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation is working to reconstruct the flight’s final moments and analyze potential maintenance or operational discrepancies. Footage from the crash site has been released, showing the remnants of the aircraft’s fuselage, scattered debris, and emergency response efforts. Investigators have collected black-box data, air traffic communications, and maintenance records to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident. The aircraft’s departure and intended flight path remain under review, but preliminary findings indicate it was en route to Kstovo-Vostochny Airstrip (ZF8C) before experiencing difficulties mid-flight. The aircraft, identified as a local-built variant of the RV-7, has a reputation for reliability in private aviation. However, the possibility of pilot error, structural failure, or weather-related turbulence remains an area of inquiry. Given the severity of the fire damage, investigators are also assessing whether fuel system integrity played a role in the rapid post-impact combustion. Moving forward, aviation regulators and accident investigators will continue analyzing the wreckage and interviewing relevant personnel to establish causal factors. The findings of the investigation will likely contribute to revised safety recommendations for private aviation in Russia, with a focus on pilot training, aircraft certification, and emergency response protocols. Further reports from aviation authorities will clarify whether systemic failures in maintenance, regulatory oversight, or operational decision-making contributed to the crash. The final investigative conclusions are expected to determine accountability and lead to potential legal or procedural adjustments within the Russian aviation framework. Authorities have urged private aircraft operators to remain vigilant about flight safety standards, particularly regarding aircraft condition, pilot readiness, and emergency preparedness measures. | ||||
Accident Information | ||||
Approx. Accident Location | Aircraft Fatalities 2 | Ground Fatalities 0 | Injured 0 |  |
Aircraft Information | ||||
Aircraft Type | Operator Private | Registration | Serial Number 2311 | Manufacture date |
Relevent Flight Tracking | ||||
 |  |  |  |  |
Relevent Social Media | ||||
 |  |  |  |  |
References | ||||
Local News | World News | Image References |  | |
Miscellaneous | ||||
 | Additional | Official Preliminary Report | Official Final Report | |