OREANDA-NEWS. An aviation accident with a Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter (side number RA-27114) operated by UTair (UTair Aviation, JSC) occurred on November 2, 2007 in Liberia, claiming the lives of its crew members, reported the press-centre of UTair.

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.