Ka-226 helicopter crashes in the Republic of Dagestan killing five senior Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant employees near Achi-Su village

A sense of shock and sorrow has gripped the Republic of Dagestan following a devastating helicopter crash that killed five people and left two others seriously injured.

The incident occurred on November 7, as a Ka-226 helicopter was flying from Kizlyar to the Sunny Shore resort complex near Izberbash.

Victims Include Senior KEMZ Staff

Among the deceased were key figures from the Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant (KEMZ), highlighting the scale of the tragedy.

The plant’s press service confirmed the identities of the victims: Achalo Magomedov, Deputy General Director for Construction and Transport Support; Si

razhudin Saaduev, Chief Helicopter Design Engineer; Sergey Suslov, Chief Power Engineer; Islam Dzhabrailov, a company driver; and Petr Surov, the helicopter’s flight engineer, who initially survived but succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Survivors Remain Under Medical Care

Two people on board survived the crash but remain under close medical supervision.

One is reported to be in serious condition, while the other is in moderate condition.

Among them is Akhamat Akhamatov, Executive Director of KEMZ and son of the plant’s director, Ibragim Akhamatov, who was occupying the co-pilot’s seat at the time of the accident.

The Crash Unfolded in Moments

Footage released on November 8 captured the harrowing moment the Ka-226 lost control mid-flight.

The helicopter struck a pier before the tail section detached and the aircraft plummeted onto an under-construction guest house, igniting a fire.

Fortunately, no one was inside the building at the time, preventing further casualties.

Pilots and Investigation

The helicopter was piloted by test pilot Vladimir Andreev.

Authorities in Dagestan, along with aviation safety investigators, are now working to establish the precise cause of the crash.

They are examining whether technical failure, pilot error, or a combination of factors contributed to this tragic event.

Community Mourns and Authorities Respond

The crash has deeply affected the Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant and the wider community.

Officials and colleagues have expressed profound grief over the loss of experienced engineers and staff members who played key roles in the plant’s operations.

Next Steps in Investigation

Investigators continue to analyze the wreckage and review flight data to determine what led to the helicopter losing control.

Meanwhile, authorities are monitoring the condition of the surviving passengers and providing support to the families of the victims during this difficult time.

This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aviation, even for experienced pilots and modern aircraft, and the investigation will be critical in preventing future incidents.