The crash was caused by a “technical malfunction”, Nexta, an Eastern European news channel, reported. There is no suggestion of foul play.
The Kizlyar plant was sanctioned by the EU in 2024 for producing aircraft equipment used by the Russian military.
Among the dead was Achalo Magomedov, the deputy general director for construction and transport support, according to the plant’s Telegram channel.
Three other senior employees also died, along with the helicopter’s flight mechanic. Two other people were injured, according to the Kyiv Independent.
In its decision to sanction the company, the EU council said JSC Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant is “responsible for supporting materially actions which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine”.
“It specialises in the development and manufacture of aircraft ground control and diagnostic systems, and the production of attachments and on-board equipment,” the decision read.
The company produces DZ-UM lock – a type of bomb rack – for SU-25 fighters, which are widely used by Russian military forces to attack Ukraine.
Under EU sanctions, Ibrahim Achmatov, the company’s general director, was personally targeted for overseeing a firm “responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilisation of Ukraine”.
