Flight Overview
On July 19, 2009, the crew of a Mil Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter with registration RA-25831, consisting of a commander, co-pilot, and flight engineer, was scheduled to perform passenger transport flights for customer Skylink Aviation Inc. The flights were planned in two segments: first from Kandahar to Frontenak, then to Tarinkowt, and back to Kandahar; second from Kandahar to operational points Kalant and Wolvrine, to the settlement of Spin Buldac, and returning to Kandahar.
Pre-flight Preparation
Pre-flight preparation began under the commander's supervision at 00:00 UTC with a medical check of the crew. The commander cleared the crew for flight with no health remarks. The first flight departed at 01:30 UTC as part of a group of three helicopters: RA-25831, RA-25832, and Mi-8T EX-503.
First Flight
The first flight was executed without any remarks. However, at the Tarinkowt landing site, the Mi-8T EX-503 refueled, causing a two-hour delay for the entire group. After returning to Kandahar Airport, preparations for the second flight began.
Second Flight Planning
The second flight, accounting for the delay, was planned for departure at 07:00 UTC. The weather forecast and actual conditions were suitable for visual flight rules (VFR) along the intended routes. The co-pilot computed the navigation plan for the route: Kandahar – Kalant – Wolvrine – Spin Buldac – Kandahar, with an estimated flight time of 2 hours 20 minutes and Kandahar as the alternate aerodrome.
Documentation
Upon arrival at the parking area of Kandahar Airport's landing site, the co-pilot received the accompanying documents, including the flight request and passenger lists.