Flight Planning
On 11 August 2021, the crew of Mi-8T helicopter RA-24744, operated by VITYAZ-AERO LLC, prepared for a commercial flight under a contract with TURIST LLC. The flight plan was filed with the Magadan Regional Center of the Air Traffic Management System and included a route from Nikolayevka to Kurilskoye Lake, Ksudach, Khodutka, and back to Nikolayevka. The planned departure time was 20:00 local time. The airspace along the route and at the departure point was class G.
Preflight Actions
At approximately 19:00, the crew began preflight preparations. No preflight medical examination of the crew members was conducted; the commander made the decision to proceed with the flight, which is permitted under the relevant regulations (FAP-128, paragraph 8.10.1). The helicopter had been fueled to 2600 liters on the same day, and no additional refueling was required. A fuel quality certificate (No. 156 dated 9 August 2021) was provided.
Weight and Balance
The takeoff weight of the helicopter was calculated at 10,800 kg, which is below the maximum takeoff weight of 11,690 kg specified in the Mi-8 flight manual for the prevailing conditions. The center of gravity was at +140 mm, within the allowable range of +370 mm to -80 mm.
Maintenance
Operational maintenance of the helicopter was performed prior to the flight.