What was supposed to be an unforgettable sightseeing trip above one of Russia’s most stunning volcanic landscapes turned into a tragedy.
A helicopter pilot died shortly after landing on the Krasheninnikov volcano in Kamchatka—an area that had just seen its first eruption in nearly 500 years.
Pilot Dies, But Tourists Escape Unharmed
The Robinson helicopter had just landed on the volcano when the fatal incident occurred.
According to Russia’s Eastern Interregional Transport Investigation Department, the pilot passed away, but all tourists on board were unharmed.
Authorities have not disclosed how many people were aboard at the time.
Victim Identified as Local Businessman Igor Kan
Law enforcement officials and Russian media outlets, including Telegram channel 112 and REN TV, identified the deceased pilot as Igor Kan.
He wasn’t just a pilot—he was a well-known fisherman and entrepreneur in the Kamchatka region.
Kan’s Ties to the Fishing and Hospitality Industry
According to Russia’s corporate registry, Kan co-owned two companies in the coastal marine fishing sector—Salmon Fishery LLC and Salmon Hatchery LLC—each with a 50% stake.
He also ran Service Hotel and SPA LLC in Yelizovo, with a company value exceeding 40 million rubles. Although his surname might raise eyebrows, industry insiders clarified that he had no family connection to Oleg Kan, the so-called “Crab King.”
What Caused His Death? Still a Mystery
As of now, investigators haven’t released any official information about what caused Igor Kan’s sudden death.
There’s also no suggestion of technical failure or foul play at this point, but the case remains under active investigation.
Volcano Recently Erupted for the First Time in Centuries
This tragic event occurred just days after the Krasheninnikov volcano made headlines for a different reason.
Earlier in August, it erupted for the first time since around 1550, sending ash clouds up to six kilometers into the sky.
Because of the eruption, aviation authorities issued an orange-level warning for the region—a sign of increased volcanic activity.
Understanding the Krasheninnikov Volcano
Located in Kamchatka’s Kronotsky Nature Reserve, the Krasheninnikov volcano is no ordinary peak.
It’s actually a complex of two overlapping stratovolcanoes inside a massive caldera on the peninsula’s eastern coast.
Named after the 18th-century explorer Stepan Krasheninnikov, the volcano sits in one of the world’s most geologically active regions—the Kuril-Kamchatka island arc, home to over 60 active volcanoes.
A Site of Natural Wonder and Unexpected Loss
For many, Krasheninnikov is a remote yet breathtaking destination, drawing adventurous travelers and nature lovers.
But now, it’s also the site of a deeply unfortunate incident that has shaken both the tourism and fishing communities in Kamchatka.