Robinson R-44.II RA-04189 08.12.2012

     The Interstate Aviation Committee Investigation team has completed the investigation of the accident with Robinson R-44 II RA-04189 private helicopter occurred in the Moscow region (RF) on December 8, 2012. 
     Most probably fatal accident with Robinson R-44 II RA-04189 helicopter was caused by spatial disorientation by handling passenger at the pilot's station resulted in rotorcraft collission with trees and ground impact.
    Most probably spatial disrientation was caused by combination of the following factors:
      - lack of handling passenger and PIC's training and flight operation skills at night above featureless terrain in conditions of low ceiling and visibility; 
      - flight operation by piloting passenger in medium intoxication and PIC in mild intoxication;
      - flight operation by PIC from left-hand seat not equipped with antitorque control pedals.
    The appropriate safety recommendations based on the investigation results were developed.