News

The investigating bodies of the Southern Transport Investigations Directorate of the Russia’s Investigative Committee have launched a criminal investigation into crash of a Mi-8 helicopter on 4 September 2014 at the airport in Gelendzhik containing signs of a crime under part 3 of article 263 of the RF Penal Code (violation of safety standards for traffic and operation of an aircraft entailing death of two people and injuries to one more person).

According to investigators, on 4 September 2014, around 3:30 PM, the Mi-8 helicopter crashed on landing at the airport of Gelendzhik, Krasnodar Territory after a demonstrational flight at the opening ceremony of Hydroaviasalon-2014. The helicopter is owned by OAO NPK PANKh airlines. It was carrying 3 people: a 57-year-old pilot, a 52-year-old second pilot and a 56-year-old flight mechanic. The helicopter was completely destroyed in the crash. The pilot and flight mechanic were killed in the fire, the second pilot was taken to hospital with injuries.

At present the investigators are looking into two main theories of the crash – a technical failure and pilot’s error. The investigation is ongoing.