On June 29, 2022, a Mi-8MTV helicopter, registration RA-25116, was conducting forestry work under a contract with the Federal State Budgetary Institution 'Avialesokhrana'. The flight, designated YA-9936, was operating within the Sakha Republic, specifically near the settlement of Chaga.
The flight plan submitted to the Yakutsk Air Traffic Management Center outlined a route starting from Magan and traveling through Aldan, MP-13A, MP-12A, and Ust-Maya, before returning via MP-12A, MP-13A, and MP-20 to Aldan. The aircraft followed the planned route up to the MP-20 aerodrome location. During the flight, the airspace was established as class 'G', and no violations of IFR procedures were recorded.
Prior to departure, the crew underwent pre-flight medical examinations at the Magan airport medical center. The crew was officially authorized for flight. A local weather forecast received via email prior to departure did not preclude the execution of the flight under IFR conditions.
Maintenance records indicate that the aircraft, RA-25116, had undergone operational maintenance and periodic maintenance by trained technical personnel from Polar Airlines on the day of the flight. The crew members were found to be fit for flight duty.