12.10.2012
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The air accident happened on Oct 12 approx at 5.15 pm nearby BSF Kacha Airbase on the west coast of Crimea, reports
RIA Novosti referring to defense ministry. The injured crewmember was delivered to BSF hospital.
According to airbase personnel, prior to the crash, the amphibious aircraft made left 'wing drop'. "The airplane was performing scheduled training flight. It was supposed to make a round before landing. When performing that maneuver, the airplane made left wing drop and fell down". The interviewee added that the crashed airplane had been in service for the recent 30 years.
Military procuracy started an inquiry into the accident in order to find out whether pilots had fulfilled all pre- and in-flight procedures. In its turn, defense ministry suspended flights of Be-12 until the reasons of the incident are clarified.
According to sources of
Trud newspaper, the incident could be caused by engine failure. The weather was ideal for flights, said the source. It was sunny, clear and windless. Visibility was over 6 miles, sea disturbance was about force one.
Be-12
Chaika (known in NATO as
Mail class) are antisubmarine hydroplanes put into naval service in 1960.
