Pre-Flight and Loading
On 15 December 2015 at 23:00 local time, the crew of Mi-8T helicopter RA-24402, operated by VITYAZ-AERO LLC, underwent a pre-flight medical examination at the Nikolaevka-2 heliport and began pre-flight preparations under the supervision of the pilot-in-command. The crew received meteorological information for flight areas No. 1 and 4 from the dispatch service at Nikolaevka-2; conditions were not hindering the flight. Before departure, the helicopter was refueled to a total volume of 2520 liters (2072 kg). The load comprised 22 passengers and 689 kg of baggage. The calculated takeoff weight was 12139 kg, which exceeded the maximum allowable takeoff weight by 139 kg. The center of gravity at takeoff was +208 mm, while the operational range was from +370 mm to -80 mm.
Flight Execution
At 23:30 on 15 December, the helicopter departed from Nikolaevka-2, accelerating in ground effect over the runway. The flight lasted 1 hour 40 minutes, with landing at the VZhK heliport at 01:10 on 16 December. During the flight, no anomalies were reported.
Post-Landing Activities
After landing, the crew unloaded baggage and disembarked passengers. They communicated with the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky airport controller, confirming the landing and scheduling a next contact at 03:00. At the VZhK heliport, the helicopter was refueled with 720 liters (584 kg), bringing the total fuel on board to 1900 liters (1540 kg). At 02:00, the crew began boarding 22 passengers according to the manifest.