Robinson R-44 Forced Landing in Tatarstan due to Engine Failure

No fatalities • РФ, Республика Татарстан, Тукаевский район, в 25 км юго-восточнее аэропорта Бегишево

A Robinson R-44 helicopter, registration RA-04175, performed a forced landing in the Tukayevsky District of Russia on June 30, 2017. The incident resulted in aircraft damage but no injuries to the pilot or passenger.

On June 30, 2017, a Robinson R-44, registration RA-04175, was scheduled for a non-commercial IFR flight from the village of Kyzyl-Bayrak to the Sarsaz Mountains. The pilot-in-command completed pre-flight preparations, noting no issues with the aircraft's condition. The helicopter was fueled with 176 liters of Avgas 100LL, with a takeoff weight of 1053 kg, which was within the maximum allowable limit of 1134 kg.

At 16:35, the pilot reported the takeoff to air traffic control via VHF radio. Three minutes later, at 16:38, the helicopter was forced to perform an emergency landing. The aircraft landed in a field located approximately 25 km southeast of Begishevo Airport.

There were no injuries reported for the pilot or the single passenger on board. While the aircraft sustained damage during the landing, there was no fire and no damage to property on the ground. The landing occurred in an area with soft, saturated soil.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the destruction of sixth cylinder elements following the spontaneous loosening of the nuts and bolts securing the connecting rod cap. Contributing factors included the landing on soft, saturated soil and the pilot's excessive use of the cyclic pitch control to prevent the helicopter from tipping, which caused the rotor blades to strike the tail boom.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-06-30 Robinson R-44 accident near РФ, Республика Татарстан, Тукаевский район, в 25 км юго-восточнее аэропорта Бегишево?

A Robinson R-44 helicopter, registration RA-04175, performed a forced landing in the Tukayevsky District of Russia on June 30, 2017. The incident resulted in aircraft damage but no injuries to the pilot or passenger.

Were there any fatalities in the 2017-06-30 Robinson R-44 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-06-30 involved a Robinson R-44, registration RA-04175, at РФ, Республика Татарстан, Тукаевский район, в 25 км юго-восточнее аэропорта Бегишево.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the destruction of sixth cylinder elements following the spontaneous loosening of the nuts and bolts securing the connecting rod cap. Contributing factors included the landing on soft, saturated soil and the pilot's excessive use of the cyclic pitch control to prevent the helicopter…

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