Three Dead In Helicopter Crash In Russia's Far East

The helicopter had been reported missing on July 16 in bad weather.

Russian authorities report that three people have died in a helicopter crash on Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East.

The burned wreckage of the helicopter was found near the Uson volcano on July 17, authorities said.

The family of biathlon junior world champion Igor Malinovsky said he was among those killed on the aircraft.

Local reports said the helicopter belonged to a private company owned by Malinovsky's father, Vladimir.

The helicopter had been reported missing on July 16 in bad weather.

Helicopter tours are popular with nature lovers in Kamchatka, filled with volcanoes, geysers, and thermal springs. It wasn’t immediately clear if the aircraft was part of a tour.

Sudden weather changes in the region often lead to helicopter accidents in the region.

Based on reporting by dpa, TASS, and EuroWeeklyNews