A devastating accident occurred in Russia’s remote Far East when a tourist helicopter crashed near a volcano, resulting in the death of all 22 passengers on board.
The unfortunate incident happened on Saturday, August 31, 2024. The Mi-8 helicopter, owned by Vityaz-Aero, departed near the Vachkazhets volcano in Kamchatka. This peninsula is renowned for its raw, natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The aircraft was carrying 19 tourists and a crew of three. Not long after takeoff, it vanished from radar.
Subsequent to the disappearance, emergency officials initiated a search and rescue mission. However, unfavorable weather conditions and poor visibility hindered their efforts. According to RIA Novosti, the Russian state news agency, local emergency officials found the crash site on Sunday morning, September 1, during the search operation.
The Kamchatka peninsula, situated roughly 4,400 miles east of Moscow, was hit by a cyclone that weekend, resulting in strong winds and heavy rainfall. It is still unclear whether this storm contributed to the crash.
News of the crash caused a wave of anxiety among the families and friends of those on board as they waited for updates. The Kamchatka division of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry worked diligently to reach the crash site, which was located at an altitude of about 3,000 feet.
By September 2, Monday, Russian emergency officials confirmed that they had retrieved all 22 bodies from the crash site. This distressing discovery ended all hopes of finding survivors, confirming the worst fears of those awaiting news.
The families of the deceased will receive a one-time compensation of approximately 3.3 million rubles. Furthermore, they will be provided with free round-trip airfare to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the administrative center of the region. Vityaz-Aero, the company that operated the crashed helicopter, has agreed to cover the costs associated with transporting the victims’ bodies to their final resting places.
The Mi-8 helicopter has been a staple of Russian aviation since the 1960s, serving in both military and civilian capacities. However, its safety record has raised concerns. The Aviation Safety Network reports that the Mi-8 has been involved in multiple accidents over the years, with their database recording a total of 4,506 fatalities.
The accident has prompted questions about the safety of tourist flights in the region. Vityaz-Aero, the operator of the doomed flight, is one of the largest carriers in Kamchatka and plays a significant role in the local tourism industry. The company’s website advertises tours to hot springs, active volcanoes, and nature parks.
This isn’t the first time Vityaz-Aero has faced questions about its safety procedures. In July 2021, another helicopter crash involving the company led to eight deaths. After that incident, Russian authorities temporarily prohibited Vityaz-Aero from transporting passengers while they investigated potential violations of flight safety rules.
The Kronotsky Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist attraction in the region, is heavily dependent on helicopter access for tourists. With its 25 volcanoes and the renowned Valley of Geysers, the reserve is a sought-after destination for adventurers and nature lovers.
As the probe into the crash continues, focus has shifted to the difficulties of operating in Kamchatka’s harsh terrain and unpredictable weather. The Russian Investigative Committee, the country’s primary law enforcement agency, has started an investigation into potential pilot error or technical malfunction as possible causes of the accident.
Among the victims were several notable individuals, including Arseniy Zamyatin, the financial director of the Russian Football Union, his wife, and leaders of the Kamchatka Freeride Community.
