What happened
On May 14, 2021, a Robinson R66, registration RA-06358, arrived at Vaskovo airfield in Arkhangelsk. The aircraft was intended to perform transport services for fishermen and hunters, including the aircraft owner, traveling between the airfield and the Zheleznye Vorota tourist complex located on the northern part of Mudyugsky Island.
The pilot was operating the helicopter under a power of attorney granted by the owner. According to the owner, the pilot had been known to him for over eight years and had frequently performed flights using this specific aircraft at the owner's request.
On May 15, 2021, the pilot departed Vaskovo airfield at 07:04 and returned to the same airfield at 08:17. On the following morning, May 16, 2021, the pilot conducted another scheduled flight from Vaskovo to the tourist base. The takeoff occurred at 06:02 under the supervision of the Vaskovo tower controller, with the flight managed by Arkhangelsk approach control. At 06:24:23, the pilot reported to the controller that the aircraft had landed at Mudyug Severny and that operations for the day had concluded.
Findings
- The pilot failed to undergo the required pre-flight medical examination prior to the departure on May 15, 2021.
- The pilot also failed to undergo a pre-flight medical examination before the departure on May 16, 2021, despite the presence of a qualified medical professional at the Vaskovo airfield.