Robinson R-66 RA-06233 18.04.2016

The accident with Robinson R-66 RA-06233 helicopter owned by "Optholod" CJSC occurred at "Bely" island (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, RF) on April 18, 2016. According to the available information the pilot and two passengers on board were killed, 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-66 RA-06233 helicopter owned by "Opthholod" CJSC occurred in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District (RF) on April 18, 2016.

      Most probably the accident with R66 RA-06233 helicopter was caused by loss of altitude monitoring by PIC during the attempt to contact with landmarks in meteorological conditions not corresponding to VFR and pilot flight level of training that resulted in rotorcraft collision with the Kara Sea ice surface. 

      The following factors contributed to the accident: 

• PIC's decision to departure in meteorological conditions not corresponding to FVR flight in the point of destination; 

• non-compliance with FAR-1128 requirements by PIC about returning to the departure airport under deterioration of meteorological conditions midair below specified for VFR; 

• flight performance by PIC in IFR conditions which he wasn't trained for;
  

• flight performance during landing place search at the altitudes and speeds not recommended by FOM for aircraft operation; 

• icing in clouds hampering control of the rotorcraft not equipped for operations in icing conditions.
  

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