Technical malfunction caused Mi-8 crash at Amur mouth

Several parts of helicopter, containing technical control equipment, were lifted up from water.

"This equipment, including crew voice intercommunication, electromagnetic records, data about engine work, will be examined by experts and will help to establish objective picture and cause of the accident", - said prosecutor of krai Vladimir Malinovsky.

Office of Public Prosecutor can announce the cause of Mi-8 helicopter, which fell down at Amur mouth near Nikolaevsk-na-Amur (Habarovsky krai) on December 6, only after technical examination by experts.

Prosecutor noted that the cause of accident is more likely technical malfunction. At present moment rescuers lift the remaining parts of helicopter; the body of third member of the crew is supposedly in cabin.

Malinovsky said that divers can not find body of pilot because of low visibility. "Helicopter broke in pieces during failure, and, perhaps, body of pilot was taken by steam", - supposed the prosecutor.

Helicopter Mi-8 underwent major overhaul during May-October of 2005 on 12-th airrepair plant in Habarovsk. On December 6 helicopter Mi-8 flew on one of its first flights after repair.

sections: Accidents, Region News
regions: Far East region