Flight Planning
On 19 June 2024, the pilot-in-command (PIC) submitted a flight plan via the Internet-based flight plan submission system for a flight scheduled on 20 June 2024. The planned route was from Zeya LPK to Dzheltula and back. The flight was to be conducted in airspace classes C and G. Authorization for the flight was issued by the Regional Center of the Unified Air Traffic Management System (Khabarovsk) at 19:13 on 19 June 2024.
Preflight
On 20 June 2024 at 07:53, the PIC arrived at Zeya LPK. The PIC performed the preflight inspection of the helicopter. Weather information was obtained via the Windy mobile app. A preflight medical examination was not conducted; the PIC made the decision to proceed to flight, which is permitted under applicable regulations (FAP-128). Three passengers and 50 kg of baggage were boarded.
Departure
The PIC decided to conduct the flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and took off at 09:04.
In-flight Communication
At 09:16:53, abeam the mandatory reporting point GOGNI, the PIC established contact with the controller of MD P-1 "Khabarovsk-Rayon" and reported an altitude of 1200 meters (QNH) and an estimated landing time of 01:00 UTC. At 09:18:37, the PIC reported that communication with MD P "Zeya" had not been established.