Flight Plan and Departure
On May 2, 2016, the pilot-in-command of the experimental aircraft Kandy helicopter RA-2118G submitted a flight plan for May 3, 2016, for a route from Khalaaktyrka to Mokhovaya, the bend of the Paratunka River, and Karymshina, and back. The Khabarovsk Zonal Center of the Unified Air Traffic Management System approved the plan. The helicopter was privately owned and based at Khalaaktyrka under a lease agreement.
According to witnesses, around 00:00 on May 3, 2016, the pilot arrived at the site. He refueled the helicopter with Avgas 100LL to a full tank, performed an external inspection, and after engine start, checked the helicopter systems. Khalaaktyrka had no medical personnel authorized to conduct pre-flight medical examinations; per regulation, the pilot decided on flight fitness himself. The pilot did not receive a weather briefing or flight documentation from the Elizovo AMC meteorologists.
Takeoff weight was 1003 kg, within the maximum of 1089 kg; the center of gravity was 2395 mm, within the limits of 2330–2600 mm. At 01:00, the pilot took off with two passengers on board. The pilot reported the flight start to air traffic control via VHF radio just before departure.
Flight Progress
From departure at Khalaaktyrka to the bend of the Paratunka River, the flight was conducted in Class C airspace under the control of approach and area controllers. At 01:29, the pilot reported to the area controller that he had landed at the Karymshina tourist base and would remain there until 07:00.
Witness Observation
However, according to a witness, around 02:00, the helicopter flew past the Karymshina base toward the Mutnovsky Pass. The witness had previously seen the helicopter and recognized it by its distinctive pink paint scheme.
The pilot and the passengers were on board. The investigation is ongoing.