Business tycoon Igor Khan met his demise following a helicopter landing on a Kamchatka volcano. Here's what's known about the affluent individual and the recent incident.
News Article: Helicopter Incident in Kronotsky Nature Reserve
A tragic incident unfolded in Kamchatka, Russia, on August 8, involving local millionaire Igor Kan and a helicopter flight over the Kronotsky Nature Reserve.
The Kronotsky Nature Reserve, home to active volcanoes like Krasheninnikov and Klyuchevskoy, is a protected area with strict regulations and safety precautions due to its high volcanic activity. Flights, especially helicopter tours, must consider volcanic hazards and comply with regulations restricting access near erupting or active volcanoes.
Igor Kan, a professional pilot by local standards, was praised for his bravery in landing the helicopter near the base of the Krasheninnikov volcano, despite challenging weather conditions. However, he did not survive and died en route to medical care.
Investigators are currently looking into the circumstances of Igor Kan's incident, and updates will be provided as they become available. Some locals speculate that Igor Kan's heart problems may have been caused by the stress of the difficult flight.
The recent volcanic activity and associated emergency responses underscore the critical importance of these precautions. Aviation authorities and reserve management typically require flight plans to avoid ash clouds and volcanic plumes, and pilots flying over or landing in or near the reserve must be trained for potential emergencies and coordinate with local control and emergency services.
Due to the reserve’s ecological sensitivity and legal protections, helicopter access may require special permits and adherence to environmental guidelines, though specific Russian federal or Kamchatka regional aviation regulations governing this are not detailed in the search results.
Meanwhile, a separate incident has been reported at a resort, where a 3-year-old girl went missing from a hotel room. Police are currently searching for her.
Locals advise tourists to be cautious about agreeing to dangerous excursions, and to always prioritize safety and adhere to regulations.
Igor Kan was reportedly involved in fishing and tourism, and he headed two companies: LLC "Kod" and LLC "Service Hotel and Spa". He was also a founder of "Selmon Fishery", but another person is currently the director there.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Igor Kan during this difficult time. This story serves as a reminder of the risks associated with helicopter flights in volatile areas and the importance of strict safety protocols.
[1] Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) - Tokyo (JMA) Monthly Report, August 2025
[2] Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team (KVERT) Report, August 2025
[3] Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, Regulations on Aviation Safety in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve
[4] Russian Federal Agency for Tourism, Regulations on Tourism Activities in Protected Areas
[5] Kamchatka Territorial Administration, Regulations on the Use of Helicopters in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve
- Despite the general-news about the unfortunate helicopter incident involving Igor Kan in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, aviation authorities and reserve management typically require flight plans to avoid ash clouds and volcanic plumes, and pilots should coordinated with local control and emergency services as per regulations given by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, Regulations on Aviation Safety in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve.
- In addition to the recent tragic accidents such as the helicopter incident in the Kronotsky Nature Reserve, it's crucial for tourists to be cautious about agreeing to dangerous excursions, especially sports-related activities, and always prioritize safety and adhere to regulations as advised by the locals.
