Mid-air collision between R-44 and Cessna U206F near Istra Reservoir

9 fatalities • Истринский район, акватория Истринского водохранилища в районе н.п. Лечищево

A collision occurred between a Robinson R-44 helicopter and a Cessna U206F floatplane over the Istra Reservoir during a period of temporary flight restrictions.

What happened

On August 8, 2015, a temporary flight restriction was in effect over a field near the Istra Reservoir, specifically near the settlement of Lechishchevo. This restriction, active from 09:00 to 2/4:00 local time, had been implemented at the request of the flight manager of the "FFT" ultralight aviation club to ensure safety for paraglider operations in the Class G airspace.

At 13:38, a Robinson R-44, registration RA-04383, landed at a private landing strip located near the owner's residence in Lechishchevo, arriving from the Zalesye landing site. This landing had been coordinated with the paragliding club's flight manager. Later, at approximately 17:02, the pilot of the R-44 departed from the private strip, heading southeast toward the reservoir for a sightseeing flight. The helicopter was carrying the pilot and 3 passengers.

Simultaneously, a Cessna U206F, registration RA-67523, had been operating over the waters of the Istra Reservoir since 13:47. Unlike the helicopter, the floatplane was conducting its flight without coordination with or communication to the paragliding club's flight manager.

Probable cause

The floatplane was operating within a restricted airspace zone without coordinating with the local flight manager responsible for paraglider safety.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-08-08 Robinson R44 accident near Истринский район, акватория Истринского водохранилища в районе н.п. Лечищево?

A collision occurred between a Robinson R-44 helicopter and a Cessna U206F floatplane over the Istra Reservoir during a period of temporary flight restrictions.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-08-08 Robinson R44 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 9 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-08-08 involved a Robinson R44, registration RA-04383, at Истринский район, акватория Истринского водохранилища в районе н.п. Лечищево.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The floatplane was operating within a restricted airspace zone without coordinating with the local flight manager responsible for paraglider safety.

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