Helicopter Operator's License Restrictions Lifted Days Before Disappearance

In a surprising turn of events, the Russian aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, had lifted restrictions on the operating certificate of airline company Granat just days before one of its helicopters went missing in Primorye. The helicopter, an R-44, was performing forestry work in the Ternei district when contact was lost with the crew of two on June 21. A search operation was launched, and an investigation into the incident has been initiated. The case has been filed as a violation of safety regulations. It was revealed that Rosaviatsia had previously restricted Granat's operating certificate due to violations of air legislation discovered by Rostekhnadzor during a routine inspection in March. However, after reviewing the airline's application and submitted documentation, Rosaviatsia confirmed that Granat had met the requirements of federal aviation rules, leading to the lifting of restrictions on June 18. The sudden disappearance of the helicopter has raised questions, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the incident.