Ka-۵۲ Helicopter Crashes in Russia, ۱ Killed

One crewman was killed and another badly injured after a Ka-۵۲ (Hokum B) attack helicopter crashed during a training flight near Torzhok in Russia’s Tver Region on Tuesday, Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.

“A rescue group found the helicopter some ۱۰ kilometers west of Torzhok airport at ۰۸.۴۵ am Moscow Time. According to the group’s report the navigator has died and the pilot is now receiving medical assistance,” he said.

A Defense Ministry investigation group has been set up to find the causes of the crash, the first involving a Ka-۵۲.

A Ka-۵۰, on which the Ka-۵۲ is based, crashed in June ۱۹۹۸ during an air display, killing the base commander at Torzhok. An official accident report said the helicopter's co-axial rotor blades hit each other during hard maneuvering.

The Ka-۵۰ and Ka-۵۲ are unique among helicopters in having ejection seats, which can be operated after explosives in the rotor head blow off the rotor blades.