Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashed into lake

A Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations crashed into a lake during a training flight in the Karelia region, killing all three people on board.

"During a training flight over Lake Onega, one of our Mi-8 helicopters lost contact. The crew consisted of three members," the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations announced yesterday on Telegram.

The agency later found the helicopter wreckage at a depth of about 50 meters and more than 11 kilometers from shore. More than 140 people and 33 vehicles, including a remotely operated vehicle capable of diving to a depth of 300 meters, were deployed. Governor Artur Parfenchikov said all three people were killed.

Russian Mi-8 helicopter in photo posted May 2020: Photo: TASS — Russian Mi-8 helicopter in photo posted May 2020: Photo: *TASS*

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has not announced the cause of the accident, but said the crew had extensive experience and had participated in search and rescue operations in the past.

"The helicopter was piloted by people who have accumulated thousands of flight hours. During their time at the Ministry of Emergency Situations, they have repeatedly participated in searching for people in mountainous and coastal areas, as well as helping to fight forest fires," the agency said, adding that a committee had been set up to investigate the incident.

This is the second incident involving this helicopter model in more than half a month. On January 17, a Mi-8 of the Kyrgyz army crashed during a training flight at the Frunze-1 base, killing one serviceman and injuring 10 others.

The Mil Mi-8 (NATO reporting name Hip) is a twin-engine transport-combat helicopter that entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1967. It is one of the most popular helicopter models in the world, currently used by more than 50 countries.

Lake Onega is located in northwestern Russia, in the territory of the Republic of Karelia, Leningrad and Voldoga Oblasts. It is the second largest lake in Europe with an area of over 9,700 km2.