What happened
On December 19, 2010, a Mil Mi-8T, registration RA-24655, operated by Yamal Airlines, was performing a commercial cargo and passenger flight (flight YL-9804) for Integra-Geophysica. The mission involved transporting passengers and goods between Salekhard, Labytnangi, and several intermediate sites, including the 267km site and Seyakha, with planned refueling stops.
The aircraft departed Salekhard at 03:44 and arrived at Labytnangi at 05:56 to pick up 15 passengers and 1,214 kg of cargo. After loading, the crew departed Labytnangi at 04:10. The flight was conducted at night, initially at an altitude of 500 meters under visual flight rules. As twilight approached, the crew reduced the altitude to 300 meters due to encountering strong headwinds. The aircraft's takeoff weight and center of gravity were within permissible limits, and no technical issues had been reported by ground technicians during the flight.
As the helicopter approached the 267km landing site, the pilot began pre-landing procedures at 05:33. At 05:40, after inspecting the site, the pilot radioed that the aircraft was performing a left 360-degree turn for the approach. The landing attempt was being conducted over snow-covered tundra during polar twilight, approximately 50 minutes after sunrise. At 05:43, while 380 meters from the landing site, a severe disruption occurred.