Factual Information
On 27 December 2020, an Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3, registration JU6888, operated by Mongolian Airways LLC, experienced an in-flight warning and conducted a forced landing near Tsogtyn Tsagaan Balgas, Bulgan aimag, Mongolia. The helicopter was performing a non-scheduled charter flight from Tosontsengel to Ulaanbaatar with one pilot and one passenger on board. No injuries or aircraft damage occurred.
Flight History
On 26 December 2020, the helicopter departed Ulaanbaatar at 08:49 local time. It made multiple stops, including Arvaikheer, Donoy, Altantsögts, and Ölgiy, where it refueled with 480 litres of TC-1 fuel and remained overnight. The following day, 27 December, it departed Altantsögts at 09:15 and arrived at Tosontsengel at 11:43, where an additional 420 litres of TC-1 fuel were taken on board, along with 80 litres stored in two separate containers. The flight to Ulaanbaatar departed Tosontsengel at 12:28. While cruising at an altitude of 3,300 metres, approximately 195 km from Ulaanbaatar, the 'FUEL FILT' warning light on the cockpit caution panel illuminated. The pilot selected a suitable area and performed a forced landing near Tsogtyn Tsagaan Balgas.
Aircraft Information
The helicopter was an AS350 B3, serial number 7096, manufactured on 13 January 2011. It was equipped with one Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine. The aircraft’s total time in service at the time of the incident was recorded as 3,004 hours and 14 minutes, with 4,316 engine cycles on the No. 1 module and 884 cycles on the No. 2 module. The fuel system and fuel filter warning system were part of the standard configuration.
Pilot Information
The pilot, a 53-year-old male, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) valid until 25 March 2021 and a valid medical certificate. He had accumulated over 8,000 flight hours, including experience on the AS350 B3 and other helicopter types such as Mi-8, Mi-171, and EC145. He had also completed military flight training on the MiG-21 and L-39. His recent employment included positions as captain and instructor pilot at Mongolian Airways LLC since 2020.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the forced landing was prompted by the activation of the 'FUEL FILT' warning light. No probable cause was explicitly stated in the final report.