What was meant to be the proud test flight of a self-built helicopter ended in heartbreak for a Russian aviation enthusiast.
In the Kirov Region of Russia, an 88-year-old man died following a tragic accident involving the very aircraft he poured years of passion and experience into.
Authorities have now launched an official investigation into what went wrong during this final test.
Fatal Accident During Launch
According to early reports, the man was struck by one of the helicopter’s rotor blades as the machine was starting up.
REN TV, citing sources familiar with the situation, confirmed that he later died in the hospital from injuries sustained during the incident.
The rotor blade reportedly hit him in the head — a fatal blow that emergency responders were sadly unable to treat in time.
Officials Investigate Safety Compliance
The Privolzhsky Transport Prosecutor’s Office released a statement saying they are currently looking into the case to determine whether there were any breaches of flight safety laws.
If any violations are found, they assured the public that appropriate action will be taken.
“The Kirov Transport Prosecutor’s Office is conducting an investigation into possible violations of flight safety legislation,” the statement read.
A Lifetime Devoted to the Skies
Though his name hasn’t been officially released, locals describe the man as a devoted aviation hobbyist.
He had been building model aircraft since 1964 — an impressive timeline that spanned more than half a century.
Over the years, he had successfully constructed five airplanes, all from scratch.
This helicopter, however, was his most ambitious creation — and tragically, it became his last.
Remembered for His Passion
The man wasn’t a professional engineer or test pilot.
He was simply someone who loved flying and building.
His dedication to aviation left a mark on the community, and many who knew him saw this helicopter as a culmination of his life’s work.
While his death is undoubtedly tragic, it also highlights the risks taken by independent creators and inventors who push the limits of personal engineering.
What Happens Next
For now, the focus is on the investigation. Prosecutors will assess whether the construction or testing of the aircraft violated any regulations.
More information, including the man’s identity and any potential findings regarding safety failures, is expected to be released once the inquiry progresses.
But even as the official process unfolds, one thing is clear — this was a man who lived and died by the sky, driven by pure passion and an unrelenting spirit of innovation.