11 Parachutists Killed, 14 Escape After Apparent Delamination

Witnesses in central Russia say a twin turboprop appeared to come apart in the air Saturday, just minutes before the 25 amateur skydivers onboard were to jump. Eleven people were killed. Two of 14 survivors are said to be in critical condition.

The LET L-410 belonged to a flying club based in Barki, Russia. It had climbed to approximately 10,000 feet. The amateur skydivers were preparing to jump when witnesses on the ground say the aircraft lost its rudder, then its left wing.

"They had about a minute and a half before they planned to jump when it started to fall," said Alexander Parfyonov, deputy head of the Tver region's emergency department, in an interview Rossiya television. "Ten people by a miracle were pulled out by a stream of air and they landed (safely)."

There's no indication how four other skydivers survived the crash. The accident is being investigated by the Tver region prosecutor's office, Interfax reported. At least two of the parachutists who escaped were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Rescue workers have reportedly finished their work at the scene, although the plane's black box recorder has not yet been recovered. 

Special thanks to ANN Contributor Matthew French in Helsinki, Finland.

FMI: www.avia.ru/english