R-44 RA-05765 27.06.2015

     The fatal accident involving R-44 RA-05765 private helicopter occurred in Makaraksky village, Tisulsky District, Kemero Region (RF) on June 27, 2015. According to the available information, the PIC and 2 passengers on board were killed, the rotorcraft was destroyed.  
     
     The Interstate Aviation Committee has formed the Investigation team of this fatal 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 involving Robinson R-44 II RA-05765 helicopter owned by Joint finantial leasing company, Ltd (lessee SK Tech Progress, Ltd) occurred in the Kemerovo Region (RF) on June 27, 2015.  

Fatal accident involving Robinson R-44 II RA-05765 helicopter occurred during the flight above river surface, most probably, due to partial or full directional control failure that resulted in aircraft collision with steep river bank.

Helicopter control failure, most probably, was caused by impact of steel ropes on anti-torque rotor blades pitch actuator which reeling in occurred during rotorcraft collision with ropes of GR-64 hydrometric unit in previous flight. 

Following factors contributed to the accident:

- lack of helicopter inspection after rotorcraft collision with ropes of GR-64 hydrometric unit and landing;

- flight operation at nap-of-the-earth;

- ignorance of simulated obstacles in flight area by PIC;

- lack of PIC' s visuospatial attention performing flight at unacceptably low altitude;

- lack of marking at GR-64 hydrometric unit.

The appropriate safety recommendations based on the investigation results were developed.