In a remote corner of Russia’s Far East, a sightseeing excursion ended in tragedy as a helicopter carrying tourists crashed near a volcano, claiming the lives of all 22 people on board.

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, a Mi-8 helicopter operated by Vityaz-Aero took off from a location close to the Vachkazhets volcano in Kamchatka, a peninsula known for its rugged beauty and abundant wildlife. The aircraft was carrying 19 tourists and three crew members when it disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff.

Emergency officials launched a search and rescue operation, but their efforts were hampered by poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. “The crash site was discovered on Sunday morning (September 1) during a search operation,” reported the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, citing local emergency officials.

The Kamchatka peninsula, located approximately 4,400 miles east of Moscow, experienced a cyclone over the weekend, bringing strong winds and rainfall; however, it remains uncertain whether this was the reason for the crash.

As news of the crash spread, families and friends of those on board anxiously awaited updates. The Kamchatka branch of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry worked tirelessly to reach the crash site, located at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet.

By Monday, September 2, Russian emergency officials announced that they had recovered the bodies of all 22 individuals from the crash site. The grim discovery confirmed the worst fears of those waiting for news and marked the end of any hope for survivors.

Family members of the individuals who died in the accident will be granted a one-time compensation of approximately 3.3 million rubles. Additionally, they will be offered complimentary round-trip airfare to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the city that is the administrative center of the region. The Vityaz-Aero company, which operated the helicopter that crashed, has taken responsibility for the expenses related to transporting the victims’ bodies to their final resting places.

The Mi-8 helicopter, a workhorse of Russian aviation since the 1960s, has a long history of service in both military and civilian roles. However, its safety record has been a subject of concern. According to the Aviation Safety Network, the Mi-8 has been involved in numerous accidents over the years, with a total of 4,506 fatalities recorded in their database.

The crash has raised questions about the safety of tourist flights in the region. Vityaz-Aero, the operator of the ill-fated flight, is one of the largest carriers in Kamchatka and a key player in the local tourism industry. The company’s website boasts of providing tours to hot springs, active volcanoes, and nature parks.

However, this is not the first time Vityaz-Aero has faced scrutiny over its safety practices. In July 2021, another helicopter crash involving the company resulted in eight fatalities. Following that incident, Russian authorities temporarily banned Vityaz-Aero from transporting passengers pending an investigation into possible violations of flight safety rules.

The Kronotsky Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the main attractions in the region, relies heavily on helicopter access for tourists. The reserve is home to 25 volcanoes and the famous Valley of Geysers, making it a bucket-list destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, attention has turned to the challenges of operating in Kamchatka’s unforgiving terrain and unpredictable weather. The Russian Investigative Committee, the country’s top law enforcement body, has launched an investigation into potential pilot error or technical malfunction as possible causes of the accident.

Among the victims were several prominent figures, including the financial director of the Russian Football Union, Arseniy Zamyatin and his wife, and leaders of the Kamchatka Freeride Community.