Introduction
This article summarizes information from the final report concerning Mi-171 helicopter RA-22468. The report covers the flight, weather conditions, and safety instructions relevant to the operation.
Safety Instructions
According to paragraph 9 of the "Instruction on the Procedure for Processing Transportation of Passengers, Baggage and Cargo on Aircraft When Performing Aviation Work in the National Economy," approved by order of the First Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation on 1 December 1986 (No. 66/I), safety briefings and familiarization with safety requirements are the responsibility of the Customer. Workers of enterprises and passengers must be acquainted with the "Safety Instruction for Workers of Enterprises Using Aviation" and provide a signed acknowledgment.
Flight Details
The flight was conducted at an altitude of 900 m (QFE). At 09:20, the crew received a weather forecast for the Vorkuta areas from the Bovanenkovo approach control: "Vorkuta forecasts from 9 to 15: 4000 at 450; for the first area east of Vorkuta from 9 to 15: visibility 1500 at 300." At 09:22, the crew received actual weather at Vorkuta airport: "Vorkuta at 09:00: 210, 14, gusts 17, magnetic, 1200, snow, blizzard, (unintelligible) overcast."
According to the crew of Mi-171 RA-22468, the weather during the flight over the Kamensky areas was suitable for visual flight rules (VFR). Upon entering the Vorkuta area, visibility began to deteriorate.
Weather Reports
The weather at Vorkuta airport broadcast on the MB channel at 09:00, 09:30, and 10:00 was: "wind 190°, 14, gust 17; pattern 200°, 15; visibility 1200; snow, blizzard; 8 octants 320; landing course 259°; on landing sometimes 800; blizzard vertical 60." At 10:12, upon request from the area control center, the duty observer reported runway visibility: "with course 079: visibility 300 m; with course 259: visibility 1200 m." At that time, helicopters were entering the Vorkuta area.