Crew Composition and Task
On September 28, 2009, a Mi-8T helicopter crew consisting of a commander, co-pilot, and flight mechanic was assigned to perform aviation work at operational point P-48, a shift camp of OAO Surgutneftegas near the Talakan field in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The flight mechanic’s semi-annual medical certificate was set to expire on October 2, 2009. Accordingly, on October 1, a replacement flight mechanic and a flight mechanic instructor were added to the crew. The instructor was included to train the replacement mechanic under task 3 of the G-2 training program of OAO Aviakompaniya UTair for authorization to fly with external loads.
Pre-Flight and Weather Delay
After adequate pre-flight rest, on October 8, 2009, at 23:30, the crew began pre-flight preparations for a mission requested by PTF Surgutneftetransservice of OAO Surgutneftegas (request No. 11/346 dated October 8, 2009). During preparation, they received by fax the AV-11 weather forecast for October 9, 2009, valid from 00:00 to 06:00. The forecast indicated that conditions at the start of the validity period did not meet the requirements of paragraph 10.6.6 of NPp GA-85 for flights with external loads. Fog was forecast in some areas, and actual weather until 06:00 was below VFR minima, with fog observed. The commander decided to wait for improvement in both actual weather and the next forecast period.
Waiting Period and Departure
During the waiting period, the crew initially remained at helipad P-48, then went to a hotel, and after lunch returned to the helipad. At 05:30, they received a weather forecast valid from 06:00 to 12:00. The actual and forecast meteorological conditions from 06:00 at the departure point and along the work area did not hinder the planned flight.