Helicopter Dives Into Ocean Three Minutes After Liftoff

Two people are confirmed dead, and 25 others are missing after a Russian-made Mi-172 helicopter (file photo) ferrying oil rig workers back to shore crashed into the sea. The aircraft, owned by MESCO Airlines, was under charter by India's biggest exploration firm, ONGC.

"It was a very short flight of about 35 km (22 miles) from the oil rig to the helicopter base on shore for a crew change," ONCG spokesman Narayani Mahil told Reuters. The Mi-172 carried 29 people when it lifted off from the rig along India's Neelam oil field.

Three people were rescued from the water, but one later died in the hospital, according to Mahil. "We are hopeful of finding more survivors since they were all wearing life jackets and some people could have been thrown out as the helicopter disintegrated," Mahil said.

Witnesses say the helicopter had just picked up oil workers returning to shore for leave and was approximately three minutes into its flight when it suddenly plunged into the sea. Indian Navy and Coast Guard units responded. The investigation into what caused the crash is just now getting underway.

FMI: http://civilaviation.nic.in