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In yamalo-nenets autonomous district, probe launched in robinson r-66 helicopter crash resulting in death of three

Ural Transport Investigations Directorate of the Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched an investigation of a crush of a helicopter Robinson R-66 into a crime under Part 3 of Article 263 of the RF Criminal Code (violation of safety rules of traffic and operation of air transport inflicting death of two or more people).

On April 18, 2016, it was reported that three helicopters Robinson R-66 was flying from Anderma settlement (Nenets Autonomous District) to Bely Island (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District), and short of the island the weather started worsening. One of the helicopters went locating, while two others went landing in Sabetta airport. From there on, all attempts to contact the first helicopter failed.

According to investigators, the Robinson R-66 helicopter crashed on Bely Island of Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District at 12:15 AM local time on April 19, 2016. There were 3 people aboard, including a pilot, a co-pilot, and a navigating officer, who suffered multiple injuries and succumbed on the spot; the aircraft was destroyed.

With regard to the helicopter crash, an investigating group consisting ofspecialists of Ural Transport Investigations Directorate, as well as of law-enforcement officers and a forensic expert, is going to move out to the scene.

Investigators consider a variety of causes of the accident including a technical problem, a pilot’s mistake, or bad weather, but none of the above is considered as a priority version.

At present investigating operations are underway to find all the circumstances of the crash. Investigation is to be continued.