On 21 July, around 10:57 AM, it was reported that an alarm beacon went off at ES-120 Eurocopter near the Rynda river in Lovozersky district, Murmansk Region (150 km to northeast of the city of Murmansk). At 11:28 AM, a rescue Mi-8 helicopter set off to the place of alarm (the exact spot is 45 km to southwest of Tumanny peninsula, Kolsky district, Murmansk Region). Investigators and criminologists of the Murmansk Region Investigations Directorate and investigators of Murmansk Transport Investigations Department of Northwestern Transport Investigations Directorate of the Russia’s Investigative Committee have also flown to the place of accident. Based on the information received at the scene of accident investigating bodies of the Northwestern Transport Investigations Directorate have launched a criminal case over signs of a crime under part 3 of article 263 of the RF Criminal Code (violation of safety rules for operation and traffic of air transport by a person who by virtue of the work of the position occupied was obliged to meet all the requirements, involving by negligence death of two or more people).
According to investigators, three tourists were killed in the accident – they were British citizens born in 1944 and their guide and translator – a person from Murmansk Region born in 1960.
The investigators have found that the helicopter belonged to a private person from Saint-Petersburg and was given on lease to Saint-Petersburg-based firm Alliance Avia and was servicing foreign tourists, who had arrived at OOO Severnye Reki (LLC) based in Murmansk for fishing. After the helicopter landed, it heeled and the screw propeller brushed against the passengers. The helicopter pilot sustained minor wounds and bruises.
At present the investigating group is working at the scene. Necessary investigating operations are underway to find all the circumstances of the accident. Investigation is ongoing.
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