Mi-8 helicopters have been in service with the Air Defense Forces "since the Republic of Kazakhstan gained independence." This type of equipment is used in more than 50 countries around the world and, thanks to "its versatility and reliability," is one of the most popular helicopters. This was stated in an official statement by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
According to the ministry, the last major repairs on the crashed helicopter were carried out in 2023.
"The repairs were carried out at the Aviation Repair Plant 405 in Almaty. All routine maintenance, including pre-flight preparation, was carried out in full compliance with established standards. The helicopter crew had significant experience and was professionally trained to perform tasks in difficult meteorological conditions (both day and night), including actions in emergency situations," the department emphasized.
A special commission headed by Deputy Minister of Defense – Commander-in-Chief of the Air Defense Forces, Lieutenant General of Aviation Dauren Kosanov is currently working at the scene of the incident, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted.
Let us recall that on November 9, an emergency occurred near the village of Saryzhar in the Marktuk district. Around midday, a helicopter belonging to the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan made a "hard landing" there. After which it caught fire. There were three crew members on board. One of them died. Two more were hospitalized. A criminal case was opened on the fact of the incident.
The victims are currently in the intensive care unit of the Aktobe regional hospital. Their condition is "stable but serious." The preliminary cause of the accident was a technical malfunction.
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