On December 10, 2021, a Robinson R66, registration RA-07397, was operating a flight from Novokuznetsk airport (Spichenkovo) toward the area of the Sosnovka settlement and Lake Karakulk. The flight was conducted under IFR flight plan parameters at a true altitude of 300 meters for the purpose of maintaining piloting skills and scouting landing sites. The aircraft was operated by OOO "Custard".
The pilot-in-command completed a pre-flight medical examination at Novokuznetsk airport at 01:46. According to aircraft logs, the helicopter was carrying 280 liters of fuel, which was sufficient for the planned mission. The flight proceeded with a landing at the Sosnovka area at 03:02, after which the pilot continued toward Lake Karakulk.
During the flight, the aircraft RA-07397 collided with the peak of a mountain ridge. The accident occurred during the day under visual meteorological conditions. There were no passengers or cargo on board at the time of the impact.
Because the aircraft was not equipped with objective monitoring equipment, investigators could not definitively determine all factors contributing to the development of the flight situation.