Robinson R-44 II RA-06364 03.05.2016

The accident involving Robinson R-44 helicopter occurred at a distance of 1 km from Lakhta landing site (Saint-Petersburg, RF) on May 3, 2016. According to the available information, the pilot and a passenger on board escaped unharmed, the rotorcraft was damaged.

The Interstate Aviation Committee has formed the Investigation team of the 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-06364 helicopter owned by Mercury, Ltd occurred near Lakhta landing site (Saint-Petersburg, RF) on May 3, 2016. 

Most probably, the accident involving R-44 II RA-06364 helicopter during landing at the landing site selected from air was caused by PIC misapplication of the controls resulted in gear skids mush into swamp soil melted from positive temperature of open air during the day. 

The following factors contributed to the accident:

- lack of crew training management for departure to Mercury, Ltd (preliminary training was not conducted, kind of flights, their number were not identified, first officer status was not specified); 

- lack of analysis of possible influence of open air temperature increase on condition of landing sites selected while in flight; 

- insufficient skills of the PIC in controlling the helicopter in case of abnormal circumstances; 

- late decision on engine shutdown.  

The accident occured at the malfunctioning aircraft.

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