Overview
On February 24, 2016, at approximately 1754 hours local time, an Enstrom F-28A helicopter, registration RA-2348G, impacted terrain near Globitsy Township, Lomonosov District, Leningrad Region, Russia. The aircraft was registered to the City of Saint-Petersburg, Russia, and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The flight was a non-commercial other work use operation. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The private pilot received fatal injuries, while the passenger sustained minor injuries.
Flight Details
The flight originated at about 1637 hours from a location approximately 13 nautical miles east-southeast of the accident site. The helicopter departed with an adequate supply of fuel but with a non-certificated pilot at the controls.
Accident Sequence
After takeoff, the helicopter was engaged in an aerial search for a stolen vehicle, flying at or below 60 meters. The passenger later reported that the engine lost power. The helicopter subsequently crashed in a field, and evidence indicated a high vertical descent rate at impact.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination of the fuel system revealed that the left fuel drain was inoperative. Ice was found in the left fuel tank. The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Aviation Committee.