Fatal Eurocopter AS-350B3 Accident Near Bratsk Reservoir

2 fatalities • в районе Братского водохранилища Иркутской области

A Eurocopter AS-350B3 helicopter crashed in the Irkutsk region, resulting in two fatalities. The aircraft, registration RA-07277, was performing a business flight from Bratsk to Chistyy.

On December 7, 2017, a Eurocopter AS-3COB3, registration RA-07277, departed from the Hydrostroy landing pad in Bratsk for a planned business flight to the settlement of Chistyy. The pilot had submitted an IFR flight plan to the Novosibirsk Air Traffic Control Center the previous day, intending to fly through airspace classes C and G.

Prior to departure, the pilot refueled the aircraft and performed pre-flight maintenance. While the pilot did not request a weather briefing from AMSG Bratsk, regulations allowed the pilot to authorize the crew for flight at this specific landing pad due to the lack of an on-site medical professional.

At 12:37, the pilot and one passenger departed the Hydrostroy landing pad and established contact with Bratsk-Approach. By 12:42, the pilot had transferred control to Bratsk-Region area control, reporting an altitude of 350 meters based on the QNH pressure setting. The pilot's final communication with area control occurred at 12:44, during which the pilot requested to close the flight plan.

Following the loss of contact, the accident resulted in two fatalities. No mechanical failures of the helicopter's onboard systems or components were identified prior to the incident.

Probable cause

The loss of control of the helicopter during flight in conditions of limited visibility, where the aircraft was beyond the visible horizon and ground landmarks. Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to continue the flight in unprepared conditions, potential spatial disorientation, and the possibility of undetected cardiovascular pathologies.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-12-07 Eurocopter AS-350 accident near в районе Братского водохранилища Иркутской области?

A Eurocopter AS-350B3 helicopter crashed in the Irkutsk region, resulting in two fatalities. The aircraft, registration RA-07277, was performing a business flight from Bratsk to Chistyy.

Were there any fatalities in the 2017-12-07 Eurocopter AS-350 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-12-07 involved a Eurocopter AS-350, registration RA-07277, operated by Частное лицо, at в районе Братского водохранилища Иркутской области.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of control of the helicopter during flight in conditions of limited visibility, where the aircraft was beyond the visible horizon and ground landmarks. Contributing factors included the pilot's decision to continue the flight in unprepared conditions, potential spatial disorientation, and the possibility of…

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