[kellyhound]

On August 2, 2015, an incident unfolded during a demonstration near Ryazan, Russia, involving the Berkuts Aerobatic Display Team. The Berkuts, a renowned helicopter aerobatic team belonging to the Russian Air Force, were in the midst of a performance at the "Aviamix" army games when disaster struck. During their routine, one of the Mil Mi-28 helicopters in the team experienced a catastrophic incident and crashed.

The root cause of the event was traced to a declared hydraulic malfunction, which resulted in the ill-fated helicopter beginning to spin uncontrollably, ultimately culminating in a devastating crash onto the ground.

In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, Colonel Igor Butenko, one of the skilled pilots onboard, tragically lost his life. His fellow pilot, Lieutenant Alexander Klepnov, miraculously survived the ordeal with minor injuries. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries among the spectators and personnel on the ground.

This crash had immediate repercussions. Authorities decided to temporarily ground the entire Mil Mi-28 fleet pending a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Berkuts, a team that had initially dazzled audiences with their Mil Mi-24 helicopters before transitioning to the Mi-28N combat helicopters, were renowned for their dynamic and high-risk aerobatic displays. They were a staple at various air shows, including the prestigious MAKS Air Show and the iconic victory parades in Moscow.

[dwizzy22]

Mmm I didn't see any of the FLARES make contact.
Seemed more like a stall or maybe a mechanical failure.

[durt]

Originally Posted by dwizzy22 ↗

Mmm I didn't see any of the FLARES make contact.
Seemed more like a stall or maybe a mechanical failure.

Ya, there looked to be a 'puff' of smoke, or dust, and then loss of control. Tail rotor is still spinning, so maybe the pitch change mech. failed?

[Clubhouse]

An Mi-28N military helicopter has crashed near Russia’s Ryazan during an aerobatic display. One of the two pilots has died according to Russia’s Defense Ministry.

A pilot managed to get out of the burning aircraft, as can be seen on a video by Ruptly video agency. His health is in satisfactory condition.

While performing a stunt at the Aviamix air show on Sunday, a helicopter belonging to the Berkuty (Golden Eagles) aerobatic team suddenly banked on one side and started to lose height.

“The helicopter went into flat-attitude spin and crash-landed,” Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"According to preliminary report of the hospitalized pilot of Mi-28N, when performing an aerobatic stunt, the emergency alert system of the helicopter reported the failure of the hydraulic boost system,” the Defense Ministry’s press service said in a statement.

The helicopter crashed in a forest near the airfield and burst into flames on impact with the ground. Firefighters arrived at the crash site and extinguished the fire within minutes.

The helicopter is damaged beyond repair, RIA Novosti reports.

Russia's Air Force Commander-in-Chief Viktor Bondarev has ordered the grounding of all Mi-28 assault helicopters following the catastrophe in central Russia, the Defense Minister reported.

“The crew fought to save the helicopter to the end. Unfortunately, the chief pilot died on impact - the co-pilot survived. According to the second pilot, the accident occurred due to technical failure. I have suspended all Mi-28 flights. The commission under my leadership is working to clarify the causes of the disaster,” Bondarev said.


RT News

[keating]

tail rota slows down, spin and down.

[Kelseecat65]

What a helpless feeling that had to be going down.