On Saturday, a Mi-8 helicopter carrying 22 people disappeared from radar in Russia's Far East, specifically over the Kamchatka Peninsula. The helicopter was reported to have three crew members and 19 passengers, mostly tourists. The Kamchatka Region Governor, Vladimir Solodov, confirmed the incident in a video posted on Telegram, stating that efforts to locate the aircraft were hindered by poor visibility.
Russian authorities have initiated a search operation for the missing helicopter, deploying a group of rescuers and two additional helicopters to the area. The Mi-8, a Soviet-era military helicopter, is often used for tourist flights over the breathtaking landscapes of Kamchatka, a region known for its active volcanoes and stunning scenery. However, the area has a troubling history of aviation accidents, particularly involving aging aircraft.
This incident is not isolated; the Russian Far East has witnessed several aviation tragedies in recent years. Notably, in August 2021, another Mi-8 helicopter crashed into a lake in Kamchatka under similar conditions, resulting in the loss of eight lives. Additionally, a commercial plane crash in July 2021 claimed the lives of all 28 individuals aboard. These incidents underscore the growing concern over aviation safety in Russia, as accidents have surged due to various factors including technical failures and adverse weather conditions.
