Overview
On 6 November 2017, a Bell-407 helicopter (registration RA-01927) operated a flight from Kazan Airport to Samara, with an intermediate stop at GSK "Sviyazhskie Kholmy" to pick up a passenger. The flight was conducted by a single pilot, who was also the pilot-in-command. The helicopter departed from the helipad at Kazan Airport at 03:56 local time.
Flight Planning and Mass
The flight was carried out in accordance with a flight plan submitted the day before by the pilot, following instructions from the aircraft owner's representative. The plan was approved by air traffic control at 01:19 on 6 November 2017. Investigation established that the takeoff mass was approximately 1725 kg, which was within the Bell-407 flight manual limit of 2268 kg for takeoff and landing. The center of gravity before takeoff was calculated to be 3223.8 mm, also within the permissible range of 3023 mm to 3277 mm as specified in the flight manual.
Weather Information
The pilot did not obtain meteorological information from the weather service at Kazan Airport. It was not possible to determine where he obtained weather information before the flight. Approximately four minutes after takeoff, upon request from an air traffic controller, the pilot reported that he had GAMET weather information for Kazan and Samara. He also provided actual in-flight weather conditions: wind from the south at 2 m/s, visibility 7 to 8 km, a cloud base at 160 to 170 meters, stratiform and stratocumulus clouds, no hazardous weather phenomena, and no precipitation.
Medical Examination
The pilot did not undergo a medical examination at Kazan Airport before the flight. He made the decision on his own fitness to fly without a formal medical check.
Conclusion
The investigation documented the operational details of the flight, including compliance with mass and balance limits, the pilot's weather briefing sources, and the absence of a medical examination. No probable cause was stated.