Event ERA16WA081

Factual narrative

Subject: ERA16WA081 Bell 429, RA-01617, Rostov-na-Dony, Russia On January 1, 2016, about 0621 universal coordinated time, a Bell 429, Russian registration RA-01617, was substantially damaged by collision with terrain during an uncontrolled descent following a loss of aircraft control while on approach to land. The Russian certificated pilots were seriously injured. The flight was destined for Rostov-na-Dony, Russia. According to investigators, the helicopter had descended to approximately 90 feet altitude while on approach to land, when the helicopter began to rotate to the right and climb to an altitude of about 200 feet, before it descended uncontrolled to ground contact. The helicopter was operating in a river valley, and weather observations around the time of the accident included conditions conducive to restrictions to visibility due to freezing mist or fog. This accident investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Aviation Committee of Russia. Any further information pertaining to this accident may be obtained from: The Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) Fax: +7(495) 953-57-42 Office phone: +7(495) 953-96-59 This report is for informational purposes only, and contains only information released by or obtained from the Government of Russia. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12