Russian Helicopter Crash in Dagestan Kills 5 in Rotor Malfunction

At least five people, including four senior executives of a Russian military factory, were killed in a helicopter crash in the Republic of Dagestan, officials confirmed. The incident occurred near the Caspian Sea on November 7, involving a Ka-226 helicopter carrying employees of the EU-sanctioned Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant.

Video footage circulating on social media showed the helicopter attempting to land on a beach when its tail struck a rock, causing the rear rotor to break off. The chopper lost balance, and its tail hung precariously from the body. The helicopter then collided with an unoccupied private house in the village of Achi-Su, sparking a fire that destroyed the beachfront property. Emergency responders were seen rushing to extinguish the blaze, which reduced the house to rubble.

The Kizlyar Plant confirmed that four of its employees were among the dead, including Achalo Magomedov, the company’s deputy general director of construction and transport support. A Ka-226 flight mechanic also died in the crash, while two others sustained injuries.

Preliminary reports indicate the crash was caused by a "technical malfunction," with no evidence of sabotage or human error. Russia's federal aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, classified the incident as a "disaster" and confirmed it will participate in the official investigation.

The Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant had been sanctioned by the EU in 2024 for producing military aircraft equipment used by Russia. The company specializes in aircraft ground control and diagnostic systems, as well as attachments and on-board equipment. Among its notable products is the DZ-UM lock, a type of bomb rack for SU-25 fighter jets extensively used in Russian operations in Ukraine.

Authorities continue to investigate the crash, focusing on the technical failure that caused the rotor to detach, leading to the fatal accident. The incident has raised concerns about helicopter safety protocols and the operational risks faced by employees of defense-related facilities in Russia.