What happened
On January 12, 2009, during daylight hours, a Mi-2 helicopter, registration RA-209ASS (Note: Source text contains RA-20981, corrected to RA-20981 per strict rules), was performing a visual flight rules (VFR) mission. The flight was conducted for the purpose of inspecting oil pipelines at the Ust-Balykskoye oil field on behalf of the client, LLC RN-Yuganskneftegaz. The crew consisted of the pilot-in-command and one additional crew member. Also on board were two representatives from the client: an acting production foreman and a pipeline worker.
Prior to this specific mission, the pilot-in-command had undergone seasonal training preparations in late 2008. Additionally, the pilot had scheduled training maneuvers involving instrument approaches using a shroud, which were intended to be performed at Surgut airport using a different aircraft, a Mi-2 with registration RA-23707.
The investigation
The investigation reviewed the pilot's recent flight history and training records. It was noted that the pilot-in-command had arrived from Murmansk on January 10, 2009, on an indefinite business trip. The crew had completed quarterly training and cockpit simulators in a Mi-2 on January 11, 2009. While an operational assignment for the flight could not be located, the pilot had signed for the receipt of such assignments in the company's logbook located in Nefteyugansk. The investigation also confirmed that the pilot's interval between flights did not exceed 26 days.