AS355 Down: Belarus

[Savoia]

A Belarusian helicopter has crashed on the Lithuanian Border: Five people suspected dead

Around 15:45 on October 20, Eurocopter of Belarus’ State Border Committee crashed one kilometer off the Belarusian-Lithuanian border near Vileity village, Pastavy district, Vitsebsk voblast. There were two crew members on board, as well as TRC crew "Soyus," supposed to film a special report. None of them survived.

Press Secretary of the State Border Committee of Belarus Alexander Tishchenko said that the French company helicopter Ecureuil AS 355 NP was guarding the border. At some point, the helicopter crashed and caught fire for some reason yet uncleared.

A special commission is currently working on the site of the helicopter crash. SBC Chairman Ihor Rachkovski left for the scene of the tragedy, as well.

According to Alexander Tishchenko, the flight was planned; however there was another helicopter in the emergency area.

TRC film crew "Soyuz" consisted of Shaternik Julia, Prachkovski Vitali and Shamalov Sergei. State Border Committee expresses its condolences to the bereaved families and relatives.


Telegraf.by - Belarusian Helicopter Crashed on Lithuanian Border - Five People Died (http://telegraf.by/en/2011/10/na-granice-s-litvoi-razbilsya-belorusskii-vertolet-pyat-pogibshih)

[mickjoebill]

"Military Prosecutor's Office Opened Criminal Case on SBC Helicopter Crash
October 20, the investigation department of the Belarusian military prosecutor's office instituted criminal proceedings into the helicopter crash of the State Border Committee. The case was initiated on the grounds of violation of flight rules (Part 2, Article 465), reported head of the Department of Information and Public Relations of the General Prosecutor of Belarus Petr Kiselev.
"An investigative team is formed. The crash site is encircled. It’s been inspected the whole night. The documents, related to the technical condition of the helicopter and crew training, are confiscated," said Petr Kiselev in the morning on October 21, BelTA informs.
Attorney General's office is supervising the investigation of a helicopter crash. Currently, improper technical condition of the helicopter and pilot error are considered the main reasons for the crash."

Local aviation authority;�ово�ти (http://www.avia.by/)
Mickjoebill

[rotorspeed]

Very sad. First 355NP to have a fatal? Obviously pretty new acft. Given today's METAR for Vilnius is 10ks+ and 3000ft base and accident yesterday pm, wx prob not a factor.