History of the Flight
On 25 September 2022, a helicopter type H125 (AS350 B3), registration JU6888, operated by Mongolian Airways LLC, departed from Gatsuurt's Khar Usan Tokhoi in Ulaanbaatar at 07:47 local time. The flight, designated MGW1431, was a charter flight with six persons on board: one pilot and five passengers. The planned destination was Lun soum, with an estimated arrival time of 08:26. At 07:56, the flight contacted the Tower of Buyant-Ukhaa aerodrome on frequency 132.7 MHz and received clearance to enter the aerodrome's control zone. After crossing the runway heading at 08:01, the helicopter continued visual flight and radio contact was terminated at approximately 08:04 when it was about 10 km from Buyant-Ukhaa. At 08:20, while conducting a forced landing in the area of Argalant soum, Tov province, approximately 938 meters from the 78 km road from Ulaanbaatar to Lun, the accident occurred.
Communication
On 25 September 2022, the Flight Information Service officer (FISO) at the ARSAT workstation communicated with the operations staff of Mongolian Airways LLC via telephone (71281635). At 07:32, the FISO called the operations number to inquire about the departure of flight MGW1431; the operations staff reported that the passenger had just arrived and departure was expected around 07:40, and they notified that the helicopter would pass through the Buyant-Ukhaa zone. At 07:38, the operations staff called again to inform that preparations were ongoing and flight 1431 would be delayed until 07:50. At 07:48, the operations staff reported that MGW1431 had departed at 07:47 and was planned to land at Lun soum at 08:26; the FISO relayed this information to relevant parties. At 07:54, the operations staff reported that flight 1431 was unable to contact the tower; the FISO provided the tower frequency (132.7 MHz) and then contacted the tower, who indicated they were responding but the helicopter might not hear them. At 08:27, the operations staff informed the FISO that MGW1431 had landed at 08:20 in the Atar area.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The helicopter was an H125 (AS350 B3), serial number 7096, manufactured on 13 January 2011. It was equipped with one Turbomeca ARRIEL2D engine. The registration was JU6888, and the operator was Mongolian Airways LLC. The commander was a 39-year-old male holding a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with over 1120 flight hours.
Accident Site and Damage
The accident occurred in the territory of Argalant soum, Tov province, at coordinates 47.864029 N, 105.921108 E. The nature of damage to the aircraft was classified as major damage. No injuries to crew or passengers were reported. No other damage was noted.
Probable Cause
The official investigation report did not state a probable cause for the accident.