What happened
On February 21, 2026, the operator, LLC "Aviation Company Yamal," planned a regular commercial passenger flight designated YL-50/51. The intended route was Salikhard to Salemal, then Panaevsk, Yar-Sale, and back to Salikhard via the same intermediate points. A crew consisting of a captain, a second pilot, and an aircraft mechanic was assigned to the mission.
The flight plan was submitted on February 20, 2026, at 10:30 via the internet-based flight plan submission system. Clearance for the use of airspace in Class C and G sectors was granted by the Tyumen Regional Center of Air Traffic Control at 10:34 the same day.
Prior to departure on February 21, the crew underwent a pre-flight medical examination at 03:00 and was cleared for duty. Between 03:00 and 03:30, the captain and second pilot conducted pre-flight preparation in the company's navigation room. During this time, they assessed actual weather conditions and forecasts for the departure airfield, the route, and landing sites.
Due to the absence of passengers or cargo destined for Salemal, the captain made a decision, in coordination with the airline's commercial service, to bypass the intermediate stop at Salemal and proceed directly to Panaevsk. The source notes that the crew did not contact the Salikhard aerodrome meteorological service during the preparation phase, a practice stated to be consistent with regulatory requirements.
The investigation
The Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) reviewed the operational records for this flight. The examination focused on the pre-flight procedures, including the timing of medical checks and the assessment of weather data by the flight crew. The investigation also analyzed the decision-making process regarding the modification of the flight route to omit the Salemal stopover.