Pilot Fatally Injured In The Accident

A Russian Mi-28 helicopter gunship went down during an air show at the Dubrovichi firing range in Ryazan region, about 105 miles southeast of Moscow Sunday. One pilot of the helicopter was fatally injured in the accident, while another survived.

The aircraft was part of the elite aerobatic squadron from the Berjut aerobatics team, and it was demonstrating the capabilities of the aircraft when it went down, according to a report from the Associated Press. Russian television footage shows the aircraft engaging in the demonstration and firing flares when it can be seen spinning rapidly downward and then impacting the ground. A post-impact fire ensued.

Russia's fleet of the two-seat attack helicopters was grounded pending an investigation of the accident.

Sunday's demonstration was part of the International Army Games. The competition involves Russian troops, as well as soldiers from several other nations.

The fatally-injured pilot was identified as Lt. Col. Igor Butenko. The surviving pilot said that there was an issue with the aircraft's hydraulic system.

(Image from file)

FMI: http://mil.ru/files/files/armygames/index_en.html