In fixed-wing mode, the lifting rotors were free to windmill, and the aircraft was controlled by the ailerons and tail surfaces.

[1] On 7 October 1961, with spats over the wheels and a fairing behind the cockpit, a class speed record was set at 356.3 km/h.

The spats and fairing were then removed and on 24 November 1961 a payload of 16,485 kg was lifted to 2,557 m. On 28 August 1962, while on an intermediate stop during a ferry flight to Moscow for acceptance testing, Ka-22 01-01 rolled to the left and crashed inverted, killing the entire crew.

[4] Subsequently, in order to improve stability and control, a complex differential autopilot was installed.

The aircraft entered an uncontrolled turn to the right, and in efforts to correct the Ka-22 pitched into a steep dive.

The order was given to abandon the aircraft, and three of the crew survived, but Col S.G. Brovtsev, who was flying, and technician A.F.

The Ka-22 was only seen once by western observers during the Cold War during an Aviation Day display in Moscow on 9 July 1961.