An An-2 aircraft carrying three people lost contact over Chukotka, according to a report from RIA News cited by the Ministry of Emergencies.
The plane is operated by Strizh Avia. It departed at 1:40 Moscow time on a Pevek – AS Polyarny – Pevek route and never established communication during the scheduled approach.
Final coordinates of the aircraft were later confirmed. It was noted that there were three occupants: two crew members and one passenger.
At 5:30 Moscow time, an Mi-8 helicopter carrying a medical worker and rescuers was dispatched to verify the route. About an hour later, search teams in all-terrain vehicles joined the operation.
Earlier, at the end of October, an Mi-2 helicopter made a hard landing near Tiksi in the Sakha Republic, resulting in five people aboard, with two sustaining injuries.
In August, another Mi-8 helicopter crashed in the Chelyabinsk region near the village of Prudny. Officials cited engine failure as the primary cause of the incident.
And in July, an Mi-8 helicopter went down in Altai with thirteen tourists aboard. The travelers included a mix of healing professionals, guides, and specialists in psychology and alternative medicine. They had coordinated a joint trip to Belukha after discussing options on social media. Reports indicate the group initially favored a different airline but switched to Altai Air at the last moment.
Earlier, Rosaviatsia had continued its examination of a landing that occurred in a wheat field, as part of its ongoing safety review and incident assessment.