Details have emerged regarding the incident involving the Mi-8T helicopter (RA-22909) of "Yeltsovka" airline, which made a hard landing on May 1 in the Usinsky district of the Komi Republic. According to information received from the aircraft commander, the autopilot failed one minute after takeoff from the site, when the aircraft with 24 people on board set course for the Severnaya Khosedayu field in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The crew decided to return immediately, but on approach, the aircraft encountered a snow squall that was rapidly approaching from the Usinsk airfield.
The pilot noted that in the dense curtain of heavy snow and fog with gusty winds, the helicopter entered an uncontrolled left spin. After three or four full rotations, the main rotor blades touched the surface, the Mi-8T was carried beyond the helipad, and it fell onto its right side. There was no fire.
All those on board — 21 shift workers and three crew members — exited the helicopter through the sliding door on the left side. 12 people sustained injuries of varying severity: five with minor injuries and one with moderate condition were taken to the hospital.
The aircraft sustained serious damage: the main and tail rotors were completely destroyed, and the tail boom and right landing gear support were detached. The technical commission continues to investigate the causes of the accident.
