Russian emergency officials announced on Monday that all 22 individuals who perished in a helicopter crash in Russia's Far East have been recovered. The tragic incident took place in Kamchatka, a picturesque peninsula renowned for its volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife.
The ill-fated Mi-8 helicopter was carrying 19 passengers and three crew members when it departed near the Vachkazhets volcano on Saturday. Search and rescue teams located the wreckage the following day.
According to reports from the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, the crash is believed to have been caused by poor visibility exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. The local branch of the Investigative Committee has initiated an inquiry to determine whether the crash resulted from pilot error or a technical malfunction.
The Mi-8 helicopter, a twin-engine aircraft developed in the 1960s, is extensively utilized in Russia and various other countries. Unfortunately, accidents involving this model have been relatively common.
Media outlets in Russia have identified the flight operator involved in the crash as Vityaz-Aero, a prominent carrier in the Kamchatka region. Following a previous helicopter crash in 2021 that claimed eight lives, authorities had suspended Vityaz-Aero from transporting passengers pending an investigation into potential breaches of flight safety protocols.
Vityaz-Aero is the largest among several local airlines that offer flights to the Kronotsky reserve, a popular destination featuring Russia's sole geyser basin.
