What happened
On June 22, 2011, at approximately 13:55, a Mil Mi-2, registration RA–20815, was involved in a fatal accident in the Andreevskaya settlement of the Kalininsky district, Krasnodar Krai. The aircraft, owned by a private individual, had been transported by road from Tver to a landing site owned by LLC Andreevskoye just days prior.
At the time of the accident, a former military aircraft technician and a former civil aviation pilot were on the aircraft to inspect components and verify serial numbers against technical logs. This inspection was intended to help the owner estimate repair costs required before the helicopter could be returned to service. According to witnesses, including a site security guard and the technician, the pilot started the engines and initiated a takeoff without authorization at the end of the working day.
During the flight, the helicopter traveled approximately 165 meters before losing speed. The aircraft performed a heavy landing in a wheat field, overturned onto its left side, and subsequently broke apart and caught fire. The accident occurred at an elevation of 26 meters above sea level.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's presence at the landing site, noting that the helicopter was stationed there under a lease agreement. Statements were taken from the technician and the site guard, who provided accounts of the unauthorized engine start and takeoff. No witnesses reported seeing the exact moment of takeoff or the moment of impact.