Investigators believe the helicopter may have crashed into the mountainside due to pilot error, a technical malfunction or adverse weather conditions.
Investigators and forensic experts examined the scene. Fuel and oil samples, the aircraft’s tail boom and instrument panel, an emergency radio beacon and personal effects of the victims were seized.
A criminal case is being investigated under Part 3 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (violation of traffic safety rules and the operation of air transport, resulting in the death of two or more persons through negligence).