What happened
On 31 August 2024, a Mil Mi-8T helicopter, registered RA-25656, crashed in the Yelizovsky District of Kamchatka Krai, Russia. The aircraft, operated by Vityaz-Aero, was performing a scheduled charter flight for a sightseeing tour near the Vachkazhets volcano. Shortly after departing, the helicopter disappeared from radar at approximately 16:15 PETT. The crew failed to establish further communication with ground controllers following the takeoff.
At the time of the accident, the area was experiencing poor visibility due to fog and drizzle. Despite these weather conditions, the aircraft had proceeded with the flight. The wreckage was subsequently located in a hilly region at an elevation of 900 metres, roughly 20 kilometres from the flight's destination at Nikolayevka.
Search and rescue efforts led by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations were complicated by a cyclone and heavy precipitation. While the search initially focused on the Bystraya River valley, the wreckage was discovered on 1 September. The accident resulted in 22 fatalities and 0 survivors.
Investigation
Local weather officials and the Kamchatka Department of Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring confirmed that the flight took place during periods of low visibility, fog, and light rain. While the aircraft was reported to be in good working order by the operator, the sudden disappearance following takeoff remains the primary focus of the event.