First versions of Mi-8 crash in Karachay-Cherkessia

Investigators are studying the Mi-8 crash site in Karachay-Cherkessia.

Vestnik Kavkaza reported that an Mi-8 helicopter crashed near the
village of Arkhyz in Karachay-Cherkessia. 5 people were injured. The
helicopter was carrying 13 people. They included Ahmed Bilalov, CEO of
the Resorts of the North Caucasus, who wasn’t injured. Deputy of
Alexander Khloponin, Maxim Bystrov, Bilalov’s deputy, Vladimir
Berezhnoy, pilot Sergey Fomintsev, mechanic Victor Kondar and
assistant Bystrova Yekaterina Boyenko were hospitalized, Kommersant
reports.

The flight recorder has been found. The Mi-8MTB was exploited by the
PANKh company, with a certificate until May 5, 2012.

One of the main theories for the crash is side winds that caused a
manoeuver failure. Another reason is a possible mistake caused by
pilot error, Vesti.ru reports.