Summary
On 29 August 2021, a Robinson R66 helicopter with registration JU-6820 and call sign MGW1275 violated Mongolian border airspace near the 704th border post, approximately 15 km from the Gashuun Sukhait border crossing. The incident was reported by Chinese border forces and investigated by the Mongolian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Flight History
The helicopter was on a charter flight from Khar Usan Tokhoi to Shivee Uul area, as per the daily flight plan for 29 August 2021. The plan listed departure at 07:00 local from Khar Usan Tokhoi, arrival at Shivee Uul at 10:15, and a return leg to Khar Usan Tokhoi at 14:15-17:00. However, the operator (Mongolian Airlines LLC) reported that the helicopter landed at Shivee Uul at 10:15 and would not conduct further flights. Later that day, at approximately 15:00 local, Chinese border control reported a silver-colored helicopter possibly crossing the border near the 704th border post. At 15:30, a staff member from Khanbumbat airport called the Air Traffic Control (ATC) to inquire about a small aircraft overflying the airport. The ATC confirmed no active flights in the area. At 20:45, the AAIB was notified.
On 30 August 2021, the helicopter was identified as JU-6820, an R66, call sign MGW1275, which had been overnighting at Shivee Uul. The Border Defense General Department reported that the helicopter had flown along the railway construction area near Tavan Tolgoi and Gashuun Sukhait, approaching within 15 km of the border without authorization. The helicopter was carrying the executive director of Body-International LLC. Chinese air defense detected a white helicopter at approximately 16:30 local on 29 August, flying at 5,000 meters altitude toward the border before turning east. The investigation confirmed the unauthorized flight into the border zone.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The helicopter was a Robinson R66, serial number 0797, manufactured on 31 May 2017, with a Rolls-Royce RR300/A1 engine. It had no damage. The pilot was a 55-year-old male holding a Commercial Pilot License with 4,100 flight hours total time. There were three passengers on board. No injuries were reported.
Investigation
The AAIB conducted an investigation in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and Mongolian regulations. The Border Defense General Department determined that the helicopter had made an unauthorized flight into the state border zone. The Chinese side confirmed the detection of the helicopter near the border. The exact reason for the deviation from the planned flight was not specified in the report.