Rosaviatsia lifted restrictions on the operator certificate of the "Granat" airline a few days before its Robinson R44 helicopter lost contact in Primorsky Krai. The announcement about lifting the restrictions was published on June 18, and the aircraft disappeared on June 21.
According to the agency, the examination of the carrier's application and the submitted documents confirmed compliance with the requirements of federal aviation regulations.
Restrictions were imposed in March after a preventive visit by Rostransnadzor specialists to the company's production base. Violations of air legislation were identified at that time.
To address the issues, the airline strengthened control over maintaining airworthiness, re-staffed, and adjusted its flight preparation and execution procedures. The company was also required to improve flight safety and the quality management system.
On June 21, a Robinson R44 helicopter belonging to "Granat" airline departed from a landing site in Terney village towards the settlement of Yedinka. The flight was for aerial forestry work.
There were two people on board – the pilot and an aerial observer. The crew did not make contact at the appointed time.
The search for the aircraft continues for the second day. The Primorsky Investigative Department for Transport of the Eastern MSUT of the Russian Investigative Committee initiated a criminal case for violation of air traffic safety and operation rules, resulting in the death of two or more persons.