On July 2, a Polyarnye Avialinii airline Mil Mi-8 helicopter en route from Deputatsky (a village) was on a routine flight when air traffic control lost contact. The chopper was flying from the village of Deputatsky to Kazachye village.
The helicopter flew over a pass, encountered severe turbulence reported as “a powerful air stream.” Reports indicate that the helicopter’s tail grazed a hill. The official report says the helicopter was located “45 km north-west of the airport. The helicopter pilot made a hard landing. Because of the strong downdraft helicopter literally pressed to the slope of the hill.” The airport in question refers to the landing strip of origin, near Deputatsky.
The plane crashed in Yakutia 45 kilometers from takeoff. There were 25 passengers and a 3 person crew. Initial reports say fifteen died, but that count has been raised to 19. Fourteen adults and 11 children were among the passengers.
Search and rescue were deployed as well as emergency responders, including thirty rescuers from Far Eastern regional search and rescue team, and experts of Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations of Emergency Psychological Aid Centre, and Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Responders number more than 100 people and 11 vehicles.
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