What happened
On May 7, 2009, a Bell 407 helicopter, registration RA-01895, was relocated from a factory airfield to an unregistered and unequipped landing site near the governor's residence at the Angarskiye Khutora mining complex. This movement was conducted under an urgent request signed by the head of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant and a flight assignment signed by the head of LIP, who lacked the authority to sign such documents. On the same day, several flights were conducted in the vicinity of the mining complex without notifying Air Traffic Control services. During this period, the aircraft was operated by two different pilots. The first pilot managed flight authorizations and operated the aircraft on May 7 and 8, while a second pilot, acting as the commander, operated the aircraft on May 9, including the flight that resulted in the accident.
The investigation
On May 8, 2009, the first pilot visited the East Siberian MTU of Rosaviatsia to resolve flight authorization issues for RA-01895. During this meeting, the pilot presented a valid certificate of airworthiness, a certificate of state registration, and a commercial pilot license with the appropriate type rating for the Bell 407. Based on these documents, the head of the MTU authorized flights for the helicopter. However, the investigation noted that the pilot failed to provide a power of attorney from the owner, insurance documentation for the aircraft, the pilot, or third parties, and lacked contracts regarding basing, technical maintenance, or meteorological and aeronautical services.
Findings
- The flight assignment for the relocation of the aircraft was signed by an individual without the legal authority to do so.
- Unauthorized flight paths were utilized, as several flights were performed without notifying Air Traffic Control.
- Flight authorizations were granted by the MTU despite the absence of essential insurance, maintenance, and basing documentation.