Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter Crashes In Borno State

Mi-35 Russian-made helicopter of the Nigerian Air Force has crashed in Borno State in the afternoon of July 21, 2014, Monday, during an alleged training mission.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) made this information available though a press release by its spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, in which the number of lost lives at first was not mentioned.

According to follow up information, published via SaharaReporters later, two NAF officers, a pilot and a technician were killed in the crash. The second pilot of three-man crew was “recovered alive”. The statement gave no details further details on his condition.

The DHQ also informed that the most probable reason of the crash was a technical fault. The statement named the location of the incident, i.e. South of Bama.

Mi-35 gunship of the Nigerian Air Force. Photo credit – theaviationist.com

Maj. Gen. Olukolade promised the proper investigation of this accident and emphasised that the loss of the aircraft was not connected with hostile actions by Boko Haram insurgents.

In November 2012 Air Marshal Alexander Sabundu Badeh confirmed purchase of 9 Mi-35 helicopters from Russia "to strengthen air surveillance".

In April 2014 the DHQ indicated its willingness to procure six additional helicopters of this type.

The Mi-35 is primarily designed for attack and military transport missions. It delivers superior flight performance and manoeuvrability as compared to its predecessors.