Robinson R-44 II RA-06364 03.05.2016

The accident with Robinson R-44 RA-06364 helicopter operated by "Merkury" airlines 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 didn't suffer, the rotorcraft was damaged.

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 Investigation team has completed the investigation of the accident with Robinson R-44 II RA-06364 helicopter owned by "Mercury" Ltd occurred in the area of Lakhta landing place (Saint-Petersburg) on May 3, 2016. 

Most probably the accident with R-44 II RA-06364 helicopter during landing at the landing site selected while in flight 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; 

- insufficiency of PIC skills in helicopter control during abnormal case occurence; 

- late decision on engine cut-off.  

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