OREANDA-NEWS. The helicopter was conducting a flight at the request of the United Nation’s humanitarian mission in Liberia carrying 1,400 kilograms of food. There were no passengers on board. The weather conditions were reported as favorable. The helicopter took off from Ganta at 10:20 a.m., some 250 kilometers northeast of the capital Monrovia. It never sent any signals upon arrival to the destination point of Loguato at 10:40 a.m.

According to witnesses, the helicopter’s tail rotor broke off during flight, as a result of which, the helicopter made a high-speed vertical landing in the forest. Hitting the trees some 20 meters above the ground, it sustained damage and subsequently caught fire.

UTair’s Aviation Group Commander in Liberia Vladimir Sidneev was quoted as saying that the crew members demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and courage while handling the emergency situation until the very last.

One possible explanation for the crash is that the helicopter had been shot down, as numerous cylindrical holes were discovered in the helicopter’s hull.

A special commission is being established right now to investigate into the details of the accident in accordance with international law.

UTair has sent its deepest condolences to the families of the helicopter crash victims. They will also be provided with all necessary assistance and support.

Information about the crew members. Pilot Vitaly Drozdov (born in 1965), Co-Pilot Sergei Kolosov (born in 1954) and Air Mechanic Nikolay Zharikov (born in 1949).

UTair is a major provider of helicopter services for United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions.

At present, UTair has 43 helicopters working on the African continent, including 4 Mi-26, 9 Mi-8T and 30 Mi-8MTV helicopters, and operated by some 400 people. In particular, more than 60 UTair people work in Liberia on 6 Mi-8MTV and 2 Mi-26T helicopters.

Following the signing of new contracts, UTair’s presence in Africa will be increased to 51 helicopters and more than 550 employees by as early as November 2007.

A total of around 60 UTair helicopters are involved in various operations in line with international contracts in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.