Background
In 2016, a Mi-2 helicopter with registration RA-14107 was offered for sale online by its owner.
Pre-Sale Preparation
On June 19, 2019, the pilot-in-command (PIC) arrived as a potential buyer at the helicopter's base—a mechanized base of Miragro LLC in Chamlykskaya, Labinsky District, Krasnodar Krai. According to the owner, a qualified aviation technician with authorization for Mi-2 maintenance was invited for pre-sale preparation. From June 19 to 20, 2019, the technician performed pre-sale preparation: the helicopter was deconserved and inspected, and fuel and lubricants were replaced and topped up.
Pilot Arrival and Preflight
On June 20, the technician met the PIC and conducted a preflight inspection. The pilot tested the helicopter and performed a hover check, with no discrepancies noted. The helicopter was reported to be in airworthy condition. According to the technician, the PIC wished to test the helicopter at maximum weight and arranged with an agronomist from Miragro LLC to treat a sunflower field with pesticides on June 21, 2019. The technician agreed to provide maintenance support during agricultural operations.
Planned Flight
On June 21, at 01:30 local time, the PIC and technician arrived at the base and completed preflight preparations. The PIC performed a medical self-check for fitness, which was permissible under Federal Aviation Regulations (FAP-128) as the location lacked a medical examiner. The technician stated that the pilot appeared sober and healthy. Flights were scheduled for the first half of the day in Class G airspace. According to state air traffic management, a flight plan for the Mi-2 RA-14107 was filed.