Robinson R-44 RA-06338 12.07.2016

Non-fatal accident with R-44 RA-06338 helicopter owned by "Universal industrial leasing" LLC occurred near Khutorskaya landing site, Stavropol Territory (RF) on July 12, 2016. According to the available information the rotorcraft sustained substantial damage.
The Interstate Aviation Committee has assigned the Investigation team of the accident in accordance with the Russian Aviation Legislation. The Investigation team has started its work.

The Interstate Aviation Committee Commission completed the investigation of the accident with R-44 RA-06338 helicopter owned by "STROY COM YUG" Ltd occurred in the area of Khutorskaya locality (Stavropol) on July 12, 2016.

The accident with R-44 RA-06338 helicopter was caused by its dynamic pitch (roll-over) encounter during crabbing at the altitude less than 1,5 m for take-off. Most probably the accident was caused by combination of the following factors: 

·         insufficient PIC training for take-off operation resulted in lack of platform inspection for obstacles and neglecting helicopter FOM recommendations on hover height for close to terrain movements followed by gear skid engagement with a hill hidden behind high grass;

·         wrong PIC's actions by helicopter controls (fore-aft controller input instead of collective pitch reduction) during the dynamic pitch (roll-over) mode development;

·         lack of explanations in features of dynamic pitch (roll-over) mode onset and despun in R-44 helicopter transition training program taken by PIC; 

·         non-compliance with recommendations of the investigation team on previous cases of helicopter dynamic pitch (roll-over) encounter. 

Appropriate safety recommendations based on the investigation results were developed.