On October 10, 2016, a Mi-8T helicopter, registration RA-22771, operated by Delta K airline, performed a series of scheduled flights in the Zeysky district of the Amur region. The mission, conducted under a contract with JSC 'SNIIG and MS', involved transporting specialists and collecting equipment along a VOR radio navigation route. The flight path included multiple stops at various settlements, including Gorny, 206, 205, 204, 203, 202, and 201, before returning to Zeya airport.
The crew, which included a captain, second pilot, and flight engineer, departed Zeya airport at 00:16 following a pre-flight medical examination, weather briefing, and receipt of IFR clearance. The aircraft's takeoff weight was 10,760 kg, with a center of gravity within manual limitations. The helicopter had been refueled at Zeya airport with 3,400 liters of TS-1 jet fuel.
During the mission, the aircraft landed at the Gorny settlement at 01:05 without shutting down the engines. At 01:10, the helicopter departed Gorny with 14 official passengers on board to continue the planned route. There were no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the flight operations on this date.