Fatal Helicopter Accident Near Pavlovka, Republic of Bashkortostan

2 fatalities • в районе населенного пункта Павловка Республики Башкортостан

A night flight involving an AS-350 B3e helicopter resulted in two fatalities near the settlement of Pavlovka. The aircraft, registration RA-07295, crashed following the pilot's loss of spatial orientation.

On January 7, 2022, an AS-350 B3e helicopter, registration RA-07295, was engaged in passenger transportation services between several settlements, including NPS, Kieshki, and Pavlovka. The flight was operated by a private individual and was intended to follow a route involving airspace classes C and G. The flight plan had been submitted via an internet-based flight planning system to the regional Air Traffic Services center in Samara.

The pilot-in-command, who was also the owner of the aircraft, had planned the flights under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for both day and night operations. The landing site at Pavlovka was identified in the flight plan by geographic coordinates rather than a designated landing area. At 11:22, the pilot-in-command departed from the NPS landing site.

During the night portion of the flight, the aircraft encountered weather conditions involving snowfall. The investigation noted that the pilot-in-command did not undergo a pre-flight medical examination, though this was permitted under specific regulations for certain landing sites. The accident resulted in two fatalities.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot-in-command losing spatial orientation after taking off at night from a site lacking visual signaling equipment during weather conditions that did not meet flight regulations. Contributing factors included the failure to transition to basic flight instruments after losing visual light references, the failure to turn off the landing light which created a light screen in the snow, and energetic piloting. Fatigue and overexertion of the pilot were also considered possible contributing factors.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2022-01-07 AS-350 accident near в районе населенного пункта Павловка Республики Башкортостан?

A night flight involving an AS-350 B3e helicopter resulted in two fatalities near the settlement of Pavlovka. The aircraft, registration RA-07295, crashed following the pilot's loss of spatial orientation.

Were there any fatalities in the 2022-01-07 AS-350 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2022-01-07 involved a AS-350, registration RA-07295, operated by Частное лицо, at в районе населенного пункта Павловка Республики Башкортостан.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot-in-command losing spatial orientation after taking off at night from a site lacking visual signaling equipment during weather conditions that did not meet flight regulations. Contributing factors included the failure to transition to basic flight instruments after losing visual…

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