**Russian Helicopter Crashes in Oryol Oblast, Killing Crew**
A Russian Mi-8 combat helicopter crashed near the village of Naryshkino in Russia’s Oryol Oblast on May 23. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of the crew members, according to reports from the state-controlled news agency TASS and the Russian army’s Moscow Military District.
The exact cause of the crash is still unclear, but the Moscow Military District attributed it to a technical malfunction. However, the scene of the crash was captured on video by the Russian Telegram channel Baza, which showed smoke rising after the helicopter crashed, followed by additional explosions. The footage has raised questions about the official explanation for the incident.
The Mi-8 is a Soviet-era aircraft that has been widely used by both the Russian military and civilian government agencies. It can serve in various roles, including transport, combat, and command operations. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident – there have been several cases of Russian helicopters and planes crashing during the ongoing full-scale war, resulting in fatalities.
**Russia’s Aviation Industry Struggles**
The crash highlights the challenges faced by Russia’s aviation industry, which has been severely impacted by Western sanctions. The lack of necessary components to maintain aircraft has resulted in a decline in safety standards and an increase in accidents. This incident serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of investing in infrastructure and maintenance.
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