A Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter has crashed into the Kerch Strait during a scheduled patrol flight, according to a Russian military source, Ukrainian military portal Militarnyi reported.
Russian “milblogger” Fighterbomber (Ilya Tumanov), linked to the Russian military aviation,wrote that that the helicopter’s pilot lost control of the aircraft before it crashed into the water. Of the two crew members aboard, one has reportedly been confirmed dead while the other remains missing, with search operations ongoing.
This incident follows a pattern of similar losses. A Mi-28 crash was reported in Russia’s Kaluga Oblast in late July 2024, where the entire crew perished after the helicopter lost speed and altitude while attempting to intercept a drone.
Earlier, in early July 2024, another Mi-28 crashed in Rostov Oblast after colliding with a drone during an interception attempt, though in that case the crew managed to evacuate.
Related:
- Ukraine destroys Russian Mi-8 helicopter in Kharkiv Oblast
- Russian naval security barriers for Kerch Bridge found floating near Kerch coast
- Russian Mi-8 helicopter crash in Kamchatka claims 22 lives
- Ukrainian soldiers on Mi-8 helicopter destroy Russian Shahed drones to save valuable anti-aircraft missiles
- Media: Ukrainian drone downs Russian Mi-8 helicopter in first such attack
- ISW: Raisi’s death would have serious implications for supreme leader succession
- Ukrainian diplomat: Kerch Bridge must cease to exist for maritime freedom
- RFE/RL: Russia ramps up Kerch Bridge protection with massive concrete piles