One survivor as 19 killed in Black Sea copter crash

19 people killed after Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Black Sea

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Monday, 28, Apr 2008 12:05

Nineteen people have died after a Ukrainian gas company's helicopter crashed in the Black Sea.

The Naftogaz Mi-8 helicopter came down as it attempted to land on an offshore floating platform, Russia's state news agency Itar-Tass reported.

Naftogaz spokesperson Valentin Zemylansky explained that only one passenger had survived the crash, which took place at 09:00 local time (07:00 BST).

All the victims are thought to be employees of the gas company.

Mr Zemylansky said pilot error was probably to blame for the crash after the helicopter's tail hit a rig support pole during its landing.

Mi-8s are commonplace in former Soviet republics, but their ageing mechanics have been blamed for a spate of fatal crashes.

Last month 12 people died when a Ukrainian border guard helicopter crashed into the Black Sea.