Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of All Five Crew Members in Russia’s Far East

All five crew members aboard a Russian Mi-8 transport helicopter lost their lives when the aircraft crashed in the Khabarovsk region of the Russian Far East, as reported by law enforcement officials on Wednesday.

The helicopter went missing on Monday while making its way back to its base in Magadan from repairs in the village of Chumikan, flying over Okhotsk. It reportedly did not send out a distress signal, and its emergency locator beacon failed to activate, according to authorities.

Search teams discovered the wreckage three days later on a mountainside, situated 130 kilometers (81 miles) northeast of Okhotsk, as stated by transportation investigators.

Rescue personnel retrieved the remains of all five individuals on board, comprising three crew members and two engineers, investigators confirmed.

Regional prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the helicopter’s operator, Vzlyot, based in Magadan.

A criminal inquiry has been launched to examine possible breaches of aviation safety regulations.