One Crew Member Found Deceased in Mi-8 Helicopter Crash in Karelia, Russia
Rescue teams have recovered the body of one crew member from the wreckage of the Mi-8 helicopter that crashed during a training flight in Karelia.
The incident occurred over Lake Onega, and the recovered body was found inside the helicopter, according to the State Committee of the Republic of Karelia for ensuring the livelihoods and safety of the population.
The search for the remaining two crew members is ongoing, with divers continuing their efforts until midnight, after which a remote-controlled robot will be deployed to survey the lake’s bottom.
The Mi-8 helicopter, belonging to the North-Western Aviation Rescue Center of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, lost communication with its three crew members on February 4th while flying over Lake Onega. Fragments of the helicopter were discovered approximately 11 kilometers from the shoreline, with additional debris found submerged in the lake at depths ranging from 40 to 50 meters.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations noted that the crew aboard the helicopter were highly experienced, with extensive flight hours. A criminal case has been opened by the Investigative Committee for Transport to investigate the incident. Several potential causes, including crew error, adverse weather conditions, and equipment malfunction, are being considered.
