Russian Ka-226 helicopter crash kills 5 in Dagestan, including defence plant staff

A Russian Ka-226 helicopter went down in Dagestan on Nov 7, resulting in the deaths of five people four of them linked to a defence production facility, according to local media reports.

The crash  reportedly took place near the settlement of Achi-Su in Dagestan, close to the Caspian Sea coastline. Initial Russian reports had described the passengers as tourists, but later information suggested they were employees of the Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant (KEMZ)  a defence enterprise involved in aviation systems and components.

KEMZ later confirmed that four of its personnel were killed, including a senior official responsible for construction and transport operations. The flight mechanic on board the helicopter also lost his life in the incident. Two more people sustained injuries.

Videos claiming to show the crash site have been circulating on social platforms, though officials have not authenticated them yet.

The federal aviation regulator Rosaviatsia has labelled the crash as a disaster and said investigators will examine the circumstances leading to the incident. The exact cause remains unknown.

KEMZ has been under US sanctions due to its role in supplying equipment used in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The plant primarily works on control systems, diagnostic devices and other components for Sukhoi and MiG aircraft.

The Ka-226 is a light multi-role helicopter that can carry up to seven passengers. Earlier this year, in July 2024, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency had said one Ka-226 was among several helicopters damaged in a sabotage strike inside Russia.