Robinson R-44 II Collides with Power Lines During Takeoff in Russia

No fatalities • в районе н. п. Веськово Ярославской области (РФ)

A Robinson R-44 II helicopter struck overhead power lines during takeoff from the Popov Lug landing site on February 20, 2020. The incident resulted in damage to the aircraft's rotor blades and the power lines, but no fatalities were reported.

On February 20, 2020, a private pilot was operating a Robinson R-44 II, registration RA-06314, on a planned flight route between the Greenwood and Popov Lug landing sites in the Yaroslavl Region of the Russian Federation. The pilot had filed a flight plan through the ECAA Air Traffic Control Center the previous day and had obtained weather information via the internet.

After arriving at the Greenwood landing site around 11:00, the pilot refueled the aircraft and performed a pre-flight inspection. The pilot then departed for Popov Lug at 11:25 and reported a successful landing to Tver Approach Control at 12:05, indicating an intention to remain parked for two hours.

At 14:47, the pilot attempted takeoff from the Popov Lug landing site. During the acceleration and climb phase, the helicopter RA-06314 struck overhead power lines located approximately 18 meters above the takeoff course. The impact destroyed the aircraft's rotor blades.

While the pilot sustained injuries, there were no casualties on the ground. The collision caused damage to the overhead power lines and a reinforced concrete power line support. No fire was reported following the impact.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to take off on a magnetic heading of approximately 230°, which was outside the permitted takeoff radials (300°–100°) specified in the landing area's aeronavigational passport. This error, alongside a lack of due diligence and the absence of visible markings on the power lines, led to the collision with the power lines and subsequent impact with a concrete support and the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-02-20 Robinson R-44 II accident near в районе н. п. Веськово Ярославской области (РФ)?

A Robinson R-44 II helicopter struck overhead power lines during takeoff from the Popov Lug landing site on February 20, 2020. The incident resulted in damage to the aircraft's rotor blades and the power lines, but no fatalities were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 2020-02-20 Robinson R-44 II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-02-20 involved a Robinson R-44 II, registration RA-06314, operated by Частное лицо, at в районе н. п. Веськово Ярославской области (РФ).

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's decision to take off on a magnetic heading of approximately 230°, which was outside the permitted takeoff radials (300°–100°) specified in the landing area's aeronavigational passport. This error, alongside a lack of due diligence and the absence of visible markings on the power…

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