The incident occurred in the village of Zalazna, Kirov region. The Volga Regional Transport Prosecutor's Office (VRTPO) identified the victim as Vladimir Trapeznikov. As he was attempting to rev the engine on the ground, the helicopter's main rotor blades unexpectedly detached.

"During startup, as the engine power was increasing, the main rotor blades separated. This resulted in injuries to the pilot," the VRTPO said in a statement.

Video of the incident circulated on social media, showing a rotor blade flying off and striking Trapeznikov's head as the aircraft's structure crumbled. His daughter and son-in-law were reportedly present at the scene, according to Izvestia news agency.

The helicopter that broke apart before takeoff on 31/7 was one of five aircraft built by Vladimir Trapeznikov. Photo: Volga Regional Transport Prosecutor's Office

The helicopter that broke apart before takeoff on 31/7 was one of five aircraft built by Vladimir Trapeznikov. Photo: Volga Regional Transport Prosecutor's Office

The 88-year-old inventor was transported to Omutninsky District Hospital but died several hours later from his injuries.

The accident was a tragic end to Trapeznikov's lifelong dream of flying. A former timber truck driver, he had aspired to be a pilot since childhood and taught himself to become an inventor.

Trapeznikov gained national recognition in 1985 after successfully taking off in a homemade airplane. His inventive abilities also led to an appearance in a short film for the news program "Panorama".

According to Rossiyskaya Gazeta, he named his first plane Rosinante, after Don Quixote's horse in the novel by Miguel de Cervantes.

Throughout his life, he built a total of five aircraft, with the ill-fated helicopter being his last creation. The helicopter was unregistered. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Minh Phuong (According to People, CNN)