F28 Falcon RA-2348G 24.02.2016

The accident with F-28 RA-2348G single-built private helicopter occurred at a distance of 1,5 km in the south-west from Globitsy village of the Leningrad region on February 24, 2016. According to the available information the pilot on board was killed, the passenger was injured, the rotorcraft was destroyed.

The Interstate Aviation Committee has assigned the Investigation team of this accident in accordance with the Russian Aviation Legislation. The Investigation team has started its work.

The Interstate Aviation Committee Investigation team has completed the investigation of the accident with F-28 (FVSP) RA-2348G private helicopter occured in the Leningrad region (RF) on February 24, 2016.

Most probably the accident with F-28 (FVSP) RA-2348G helicopter was caused by using mixture ratio control lever by PIC in flight resulted in its leaning that in combination with possible water ingestion from melted ice in left reservoir resulted in futher fuel mixture leaning and engine flameout midair during maneuvering at the altitude lower than 60 meters. 

Most probably the contributing factors were:

- FVSP certification irregularities. Irregularities of FVSP operational-technical documentation were not identified during certification that resulted in incomplete fuel mixture representation and fuel quick drain procedure identification. The procedure of using fuel mixture ration control was not also specified in operational-technical documentation;   

- fuel quick drain failure from left reservoir for a long time by PIC that prevented the detection of drain cock malfunction and availability of water in tank. 

FVSP control was performed by PIC who didn't have private pilot license rating for helicopter operations. 

The accident occured in engine normal state.

Appropriate safety recommendations based on the investigation results have been drawn.