2008 Macedonian Armed Forces Mil Mi-17 crash

2008 Macedonian Armed Forces Mil Mi-17 crash

Infobox Airliner accident
Name=2008 Macedonian Armed Forces Mi-17 crash
Crash

Image caption=
Date=12 January, 2008
Type=Weather-related crash
Site=Near Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
Fatalities=11
Injuries=
Origin=Camp Butir, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Destination=Skopje Airport
Aircraft Type=Mil Mi-17
Operator=Army of the Republic of Macedonia
Tail Number= VAM-303
Passengers=8
Crew=3
Survivors=none|

The 2008 Macedonian Armed Forces Mil Mi-17 crash occurred on Saturday, 12 January, 2008, when a Mil Mi-17 transport helicopter belonging to the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia, crashed 50–100 metres [http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/13/2137244.htm Macedonia military chopper crashes, no survivors] "ABC News". Sunday, 13 January, 2008.] [http://www.balkantimes.com/cocoon/setimes/xhtml/en_GB/features/setimes/features/2008/01/14/feature-02 Macedonian helicopter crash kills 11 soldiers] by Goran Trajkov. "Southeast European Times". 14 January, 2008.] from the village of Blace, situated in the region of Katlanovo [http://www.mia.com.mk/portal/page?_pageid=113,166290&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&VestID=33492486&prikaz=3 11 ARM soldiers die in copter crash near Katlanovo] "Macedonian Information Agency".] , approximately 10–15 kilometres south-east of Skopje, Republic of Macedonia [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7185199.stm Macedonia crash kills 11 soldiers] "BBC". Saturday, 12 January, 2008.] due to low visibility caused by heavy fog. All 11 individuals aboard the helicopter, including 8 passengers and 3 crew members, were killed in the crash.

Incident

The incident took place at approximately 11:00 a.m. (GMT). The helicopter was returning from a EUFOR peace keeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina and started to experience foggy conditions [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,322367,00.html Macedonian Army Helicopter Crash Kills 11] "FOXNews". Saturday, 12 January, 2008.] whilst preparing to land at their destination — The Skopje Airport. The crash was reported by two local fishermen who claimed they saw the helicopter flying unusually low. A witness stated that "The engine of the helicopter did not sound like it worked well..." Witnesses also reported seeing a "fireball" as the helicopter became engulfed in flames following impact. This was subsequently followed by a series of explosions, possibly triggered by a supply of kerosene or ammunition.

Reactions

Upon arriving the at the scene of the event, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski, said; "This is a terrible accident, a great tragedy and a great loss. I express my deepest and sincerest condolences to the families of the victims. An investigation is starting that will identify the cause of the accident."

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski, also expressed his sympathy for the lives lost, stating: "We have not seen such a tragic lost [sic] of Macedonian soldiers in the country's recent history..." [http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=89438 11 Helicopter Crash Victims Buried in Macedonia] "Novinite". 16 January, 2008.]

Aftermath

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, only seven soldiers were fully identified [http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L12264386.htm Macedonian military helicopter crash kills 11] "Reuters". 12 January, 2008.] . After the identification of all victims involved in the crash, it was reported that a total of eleven military personnel between the ages of 26 and 40 had been killed in the crash.

Following the incident, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia created a special body to lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.

References

External links

* [http://www.morm.gov.mk/ Official website of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Macedonia] Mk icon


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