Accident Details
On February 2, 2016, at approximately 0730 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), a Robinson R66 helicopter, registered as RA-06239 to Southeast Agricultural Group, LLC, was destroyed after colliding with terrain near Aviatornyi Township, Kirsanov District, Tambov Region, Russia. The helicopter was operating as a non-U.S., non-commercial flight from Kirsanov Air Base Airport in Kirsanov, Russia. Visual meteorological conditions were present at the time. The flight had originated about three minutes prior to the accident.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, the helicopter proceeded east-southeast of the departure airport. The pilot allowed the helicopter to descend to a height of between 2 and 3 meters. While accelerating in ground effect over snow-covered, featureless terrain, the skids made contact with the ground, causing the helicopter to nose over. The helicopter was subsequently destroyed, and the commercial pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight plan information is unknown.
Investigation
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). No further information has been released at this time.