Mi-2 RA-20413 08.07.2009

      Investigation team of the Interstate Aviation Committee comprising official representatives of FATA has completed the investigation of the crash of Mi-2 RA-20413 helicopter owned by Smolenskaerotrans JSC occurred 1,5 km to the south from Lisichino locality, Smolensk region (RF) on July 8, 2009. 
      According to the conclusion of the Investigation team: «The accident with Mi-2 RA-20413 helicopter was caused by ground contact by antitorque propeller during landing on landing site selected while in flight that resulted in antitorque rotor blade destruction, helicopter roll-over to starboard followed by fire and complete destruction of the rotorcraft.
      Combination of the following factors contributed to the accident:
– flight operation by PIC in crew not stipulated by flight assignment; 
– PIC's decision to perform landing on site selected while in flight in the absence of second crew member on board responsible for preliminary inspection of the landing site;
– PIC's attempt to perform landing on site with significant slope (more than specified by AFM for this type of helicopter) and not available for landing by physical characterisitcs; 
– quartering tailwind from the left 3-5 m/s complicating helicopter handling. 
      Appropriate safety recommendations based on the investigation results were developed.