Bell 407 RA-01895 10.05.2009

     On 10.05.2009 in 62 km from Irkutsk the fatal accident with Bell 407 RA-01895 helicopter occurred. In compliance with Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents in the Russian Federation approved by RF Government Regulation №609 from 18.06.1998 the investigation is conducted by the Investigation team of the Interstate Aviation Committee which includes official representatives of Federal Air Transport Agency, Rostransnadzor and Federal Air Navigation Service. Chairperson of the Investigation team - USSR honored pilot Yachmenev G.A. 
      In compliance with Annex 13 to Convention on International Civil Aviation notification about the accident is sent to Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSBC) – state of helicopter design and to USA National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) - state of engine manufacture. Both states assigned accredited representatives who will arrive on 13.05.2009 to participate in the investigation.

     Chairperson of the Investigation team of the fatal accident with Bell 407 RA-01895 helicopter informs that the Investigation team has completed works at the accident site. All detected helicopter and engines fragments were evacuated and are located in hangar at the security area in Irkutsk Airport. On May 14 representatives of helicopter and engines design who jointly with the Investigation team proceeded to layout of remained helicopter, engines and control system fragments arrived to Irkutsk.
     The Investigation team has determined the preliminary time of the accident as 00:30-01:00 local time, May 10. The analysis of actual weather at the estimated moment of the accident was carried out: wind 310-3300 5-7 m/sec, visibility 10 km, 2 octants cumulonimbus clouds, ceiling 600 meters, temperature +80С.                                                                                               
     The Investigation team continues to study documentation in order to evaluate pilot's proficiency level and helicopter operation history and maintenance procedure.

     Chairperson of the IAC Investigation team of the fatal accident with Bell 407 RA-01895 helicopter informs that the Investigation team has completed activities on remained helicopter fragments and engine layout. Preliminary analysis has indicated that up the helicopter collision with an obstacle (25 m tree) no helicopter systems and engine failures were indicated.  
      In the progress of layout activities the Investigation team detected digital engine control unit which records data on its operation. The unit was extensively burnt. The Investigation team jointly with representatives of the engine designer is investigating the possibility of data readout.
      The Investigation team continues its work.

     On 27.05.2009 the IAC Investigation team has completed the field phase of the investigation of the fatal accident with Bell-407 RA-01895 helicopter occurred in the Irkutsk Region (RF) on 10.05.2009.
      It was determined the approximate time of the accident - 12.13 a.m (local time). The helicopter is not equipped with flight recorders.
      During examination and analysis of helicopter fragments and its systems destruction pattern by the Investigation team members and experts of «Bell Helicopter A Textron Company» and «Rolls - Royce» company no visible evidences of aircraft equipment failure midair were determined. Analysis of fuel samples taken from helicopter refueling area tankages and tankages from refueling complex of Irkutsk Airport indicated its quality.
      Digital engine control unit removed from the accident site has puncture hole, impact traces and high temperature exposure evidence caused by fire because unit data readout at the accident site with the aid of special equipment was impossible.
      In accordance with the ICAO recommendations and current international practice within the framework of intergovernmental agreement between Russia and the USA the specified unit, on behalf of the Investigation team assignment, was sent for research to the USA under the supervision of NTSB and IAC. 
      The Investigation team continues documents search and study of issues connected with helicopter pilot professional training.
     

     Investigation team of the Interstate Aviation Committee has completed the investigation of the fatal accident with
Bell-407 RA-01895 helicopter occurred at a distance of 45 km from Irkutsk Airport on 10.05.2009.
     According to the Investigation team:
     "The fatal accident with Bell-407 RA-01895 helicopter was caused by lack of PIC professional qualification for operations at this type of helicopter and its incorrect decision of ATM authorities to perform unauthorized operation at night in mountainous terrain at unauthorized low altitude for actual en-route environment.
      Possible contributing factors were:
      - failure to use altitude alert selector at radio altimeter;
      - spatial disorientation in roll by pilot due to insufficient helicopter flight experience with forward indication of bank angle at altitude indicator".