What happened
On April 9, 2016, a pilot was operating a Robinson R-66, registration RA-1981G, performing a series of three planned flights. The intended route involved departing from Sidorenki in the Serpukhov district of the Moscow region, traveling to "Helihport Moscow," then to Bunkovo, and returning to Sidorenki. The flight operations took place within Class G and Class C airspace, with the third leg conducted in Class G. The pilot had obtained airspace usage authorization via the Internet through the Moscow Control Center.
Between 06:37 and 10:08, the helicopter completed three separate flight segments. The first flight departed from Sidorenki, located on the banks of the Nara River, at 06:41. There were no passengers on board. After takeoff, the pilot flew north and, starting at 06:47, followed the Kaluzhskoye Highway toward Moscow. At 06:57:41, the aircraft turned over the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) to continue its trajectory.
Prior to the flight, the pilot conducted a pre-flight inspection in accordance with the Robinson R-66 flight manual. The aircraft was loaded with approximately 210 liters of fuel, resulting in a takeoff weight of approximately 860 kg. The center of gravity was recorded at 100.8 inches, which was within the permitted limits of 91 to 102.5 inches.
The investigation
Investigation details revealed that the pilot did not undergo a formal medical examination before the flight; however, under applicable regulations, the pilot was authorized to self-certify fitness for flight when operating from airfields without medical personnel. Additionally, the pilot did not request a meteorological forecast for the route, stating that the actual weather conditions appeared favorable.