Fatal Ka-226 Helicopter Crash in Russia Claims Lives of Military Factory Executives | Complete Incident Analysis

The incident was attributed to a "technical malfunction".

A deadly helicopter crash in the Republic of Dagestan has claimed five lives, including four senior executives from a Russian military factory. The Ka-226 helicopter carrying staff from the EU-sanctioned Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant crashed in a village near the Caspian Sea.

Viral social media footage from November 7 captured the moment when the helicopter attempted to land on a beach. The tail struck a rock, causing the rear rotor to break off. As the tail remained partially attached, the aircraft lost stability.

According to state-run news agency TASS, the helicopter subsequently collided with an unoccupied private residence in the village of Achi-Su along the Caspian Sea. The house was completely destroyed in the ensuing fire.

Additional video documentation showed the helicopter crashing through the house's roof before bursting into flames. Other footage depicted firefighters battling the blaze that reduced the beachfront property to rubble.

The Kizlyar Plant released a statement confirming four employees were among the casualties, including Achalo Magomedov, deputy general director of construction and transport support. A Ka-226 flight mechanic also perished, while two others sustained injuries.

According to Nexta, an Eastern European news outlet, the crash resulted from a "technical malfunction" with no indication of foul play.

Russia's federal aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, designated the incident as a "disaster" and announced its participation in an official investigation.

The Kizlyar plant had been sanctioned by the European Union in 2024 for manufacturing aircraft equipment used by the Russian military. The EU stated that the company was "responsible for supporting materially actions which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine".

The EU further noted that the facility "specialises in the development and manufacture of aircraft ground control and diagnostic systems and the production of attachments and on-board equipment."

Among the company's products is the DZ-UM lock, a bomb rack for Russia's SU-25 fighter jets that Moscow has extensively deployed in its military operations against Ukraine.