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Mi-8 helicopter lost in Russia's Yamal was running out of fuel — IAC

The helicopter crash landing 80 kilometers to the north-west of the Urengoy settlement was reported on October 21

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The Mi-8 helicopter that crashed in the Yamal peninsula was running out of fuel, the Interstate Aviation Committee said.

According to the IAC, the helicopter was to make a stopover for refueling on the way.

"Bad weather prevented the refueling at the Rotor-40 site. At 14:30 the crew told air traffic controllers the estimated time of arrival at Urengoi airport was 15:10," the IAC said.

The helicopter was flying at a registered speed of 220-250 kilometers.

"One hour 21 minutes after takeoff the instruments signaled that the amount of fuel left in the tanks was minimal. Four minutes later the altitude and speed of flight fell considerably," the IAC said. During the next 14 minutes the helicopter’s altitude, speed and course changed sharply many times.

"The helicopter hit the ground at 15:08. The helicopter’s engines kept running till the last moment," the IAC stated.

The helicopter crash landing 80 kilometers to the north-west of the Urengoy settlement was reported at 6:57pm Moscow time on October 21. On board the helicopter were 22 people - 19 of them died, including three crew members.