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The crew was performing final engine tests in the air before the helicopter was supposed to be sent on a task. PIcture: social media
The crash happened earlier today at mixed-used military and civil aviation Ugolny Airport east of Anadyr in Russia’s easternmost region of Chukotka.
A technical fault that was only detected when the machine was already in the air was reported to be the preliminary cause of the crash.
Video filmed by an eye witness captured the moment of crash, showing the helicopter hovering unevenly in the air at low altitude before swaying from side too side and diving down and bursting into flames.
Four crew members died in the crash, Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed.
The helicopter was hovering 15 metres above the ground to test engines when the tragedy struck. Pictures: social media
Two black boxes were found at the site, Chukotka government representative told Ria Novosti agency.
The crew was performing final engine tests in the air before the helicopter was supposed to be sent on a task.
A commission of Russian Aerospace Forces is on way to the crash site.
Archeologists discovered a new stone bracelet, two sharp pins, a marble ring and fox tooth pendants.