"Ptenec-2" RA-0347A 31.10.2015

     The accident with "Ptenec-2" (FVSP) RA-0347A private aircraft occurred at a distance of 220 km from Olenek a/p, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia, RF) on October 31, 2015. According to the available information the pilot on board was killed, a passenger was injured, the aircraft was damaged.
     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 "Ptenets-2" RA-0347A (FVSP) private aircraft (flying vehicle single prototype) had occurred in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia, RF) on October 31, 2015.

Most probably the accident with "Ptenets" RA-0347A (FVSP) very light aircraft was caused by PIC's loss of control of a flight height in low visibility conditions (low cloud) and whiteout of the ground resulted in the aircraft descending and collision with ground.

Most probably, the following factors contributed to the accident:

-        PIC's improper evaluation of en-route weather conditions resulted in his unreasonable decision to continue the flight by VFR;

-        PIC was not sufficiently familiar with terrain;

-        PIC's poor eyesight and lack of goggles recommended by medical flight-expert commission.

PIC's death from injuries caused by the accident occurred more than 9 hours after the accident. Air rescue helicopter arrived at the accident site more than in a day.

The following factors contributed to the late arrival of rescuers:

-        notwithstanding that PIC had transmitted the distress signal through a satellite tracker, the signal transmission was failed. In case the signal would been transmitted in time, there was a possibility of rescuer teams arrival before dark (by An-26 aircraft);

-        remoteness of the accident site from search and rescue aircraft bases;

-        adverse weather conditions which prevented night rescue mission.

The Investigation team didn't reveal any violation of valid regulatory documents resulted in search and rescue operation delay. However, the actual location of rescue services and equipment considering requirements for minimum weather conditions when performing search and rescue operations, creates increased risks of survivors fatality in case of an accident in this region.

Appropriate safety recommendations based on the investigation results were developed.