Mi-8 RA-22968 22.07.2009

     According to the available information the fatal accident with Mi-8 helicopter operated by "Gazpromavia" Airlines occurred in the Volgograd Region (RF) on July 22, 2009.
     In accordance with the Russian Aviation Legislation the Investigation team of the accident is being formed by the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). 
     IAC experts are departing to the crash site.

     On 22.07.2009 at 09:28 (Moscow time), in 20 km to the south-west from Moiseevo village, Kotovsky district, Volgograd region the fatal accident with Mi-8АМТ-1 RA-22968 helicopter operated by "Gazpromavia" Airlines occurred. 5 passengers and 1 crew member (flight mechanic) were killed. Helicopter was burned down. 
      Investigation of the fatal accident is conducted by the Investigation team of the Interstate Aviation Committee comprising of official representatives of FATA. The investigation team includes Flight, Engineering and Technical and Administration sub-groups which focus on issues specified in "Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation regulations in RF" approved by Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation from June 18, 1998 № 609.
      Helicopter performed flight ГЗП9542 Volgograd-Kotovo town. 
      Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident were unfavourable for flight operation. 
      At 48 minute of flight, at the altitude of 110 meters and flight speed of 200 km/h the problems with directional control occurred. During the emergency landing the helicopter entered uncontrolled backing, collided with ground, rolled-over to starboard and bursted into flames.
      Investigation team at the accident site examines destroyed aircraft equipment, traces of helicopter collission with ground identifies eyewitnesses, analyzes crew training for flight, its professional level and also helicopter status, compliance with technical operation and maintenance, helicopter preparation for the last flight.  
      Flight recorders in satisfactory condition were detected at the accident site. Work on recorded data decoding and analysis is in progress. 
      Investigation team continues its work. 

     Investigation team of the Interstate Aviation Committee has completed the field phase of the investigation of the fatal accident Mi-8АМТ-1 RA-22968 helicopter operated by Gazpromavia Airlines occurred near Moiseyevo locality, Kotovsky district, Volgograd region (RF) on 22.07.2009.
      In course of the field phase of the the investigation the Investigation team has conducted respective activities at the acccident site, sketch maps of the accident site were developed, helicopter structure damage pattern and sequence were analyzed. Helicopter was evacuated for the safe storage at Volgograd International Airport JSC. 
      Analysis of flight and maintenance documentation determining crew training and helicopter preparation for flight was conducted. Ground-based recording facilities and onboard recorders data were decoded, synchronized and analyzed. 
      According to the results of the range of activities it was determined that during 47 minutes the flight was normal.
      After a flight lasting 48 minutes, at the altitude of 110 m and speed 200 km/h tail rotor blade destruction and heavy buffet occurred. PIC decided to perform emergency landing. While performing emergency landing almost in hovering, at the altitude of 15-10 m anti-torque propeller with tail gear box separation occurred, helicopter entered into uncontrolled backing  During landing followed by pitch the helicopter rolled over on starboard and bursted into flames. 
     Destroyed fragments of tail rotor blade were identified at a distance of 2300 m fr om the helicopter impact site. 
      The whole rotor blade kit and destroyed blades fragments were sent to 13 GosNII at the RF Ministry of Defense wh ere research in order to determine causes of blade destruction midair will be carried out. 
      The Investigation team continues its work.