On August 12, 2021, a Mi-8T helicopter, registration RA-24744, was performing a scheduled commercial flight to transport tourists. The planned route, submitted to the Magadan Regional Center for Air Traffic Management, included stops at the settlements of Nikolaevka, Lake Kurilskoye, Ksudach, and Khodutka. The flight was operated by AK 'Vityaz-Aero' LLC under a contract with 'TURIST' LLC.
Pre-flight preparations for the aircraft began around 19:00 on the day of the accident. The helicopter was refueled with 2600 liters of fuel, and the takeoff weight was recorded at 10800 kg, which was within the maximum allowable limit of 11690 kg. The center of gravity was also within the specified limits. However, pre-flight medical examinations for the crew members were not conducted.
During the flight, the aircraft entered weather conditions that did not comply with regulations. The crew failed to follow established procedures in the Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM) following the activation of a 'Dangerous Altitude' audible alarm. This led to an uncontrolled descent and a collision with the water surface in the area near the Ozernyy border post of Lake Kurilskoye.
The accident resulted in eight fatalities and no other injuries.