On June 12, 2024, a Robinson R-44 II helicopter operated by a private individual was involved in an aviation accident in the area of the Bilimbay settlement, located in the Sverdlovsk region. There were no fatalities or injuries reported in the event.
The accident occurred when a failure in the transmission disrupted the transfer of power from the engine to both the main and tail rotors. This loss of power caused the helicopter to descend, leading to a collision with trees and the ground.
Investigation into the aircraft, registration RA-07358, revealed that the transmission failure originated from a malfunction in the freewheel clutch. This malfunction was caused by wear on the transmission shaft in the area where it contacts the clutch rollers.
Evidence suggests that the wear was the result of a foreign object entering the system. It is believed that the ingress of this object was due to improper maintenance performed by an individual who lacked the necessary training.