On September 25, 2024, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration RA-04168, performed three separate flights in the Arkhangelsk Region. The first flight departed from a landing site near Karandashyevskaya in the afternoon, traveling to a site near Lake Vapsh. The second flight occurred after sunset, traveling from Lake Vapsh to the area of Ezevets. The third and final flight took place during nighttime hours, traveling from Ezevets to a landing site near the settlement of Bychye.
The aircraft was operated by a private individual for personal purposes. At the time of the final flight, there were two people on board. Investigators noted that the helicopter was being operated with the control mechanisms removed from the left seat, and the commission could not determine which occupant was piloting the aircraft during the three flights.
The accident occurred in the area of the settlement of Bychye, Mezensky District. The flight sequence included transitions from daytime VFR operations to nighttime operations, with the final leg occurring after the onset of darkness at 18:44.
Information regarding the operator's certification and mandatory third-party civil liability insurance was unavailable. The flight was conducted based on a verbal agreement between the owner and the passenger.