Russian helicopter safety crisis: Fifth Mi‑8 crash in 2025
A Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashed on May 23, 2025, in the Oryol region due to engine failure. This is the fifth such incident in 2025, according to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, which highlights the "critical shortage of engines" that Russians themselves mentioned in 2023.
The Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashed near the village of Naryshkino in the Oryol region. According to local sources, the aircraft suddenly tilted to the side and began an uncontrolled descent. Preliminary reports indicate engine failure as the cause of the accident.
Russians lost another Mi-8 helicopter
The helicopter crashed on the grounds of an abandoned chemical factory. Residents of nearby buildings reported hearing secondary explosions. Although the mission of the helicopter is unknown, it was likely returning to a base in the Smolensk region, suggesting its affiliation with the 440th Helicopter Regiment.
Defense Express notes that this is already the fifth case of engine failure in Mi-8 helicopters in 2025, a significant increase compared to previous years. Russian authorities had already admitted in 2023 to a critical shortage of engines, impacting flight safety.
The Mi-8, like other Russian helicopters, uses TV3-117 engines, which were supplied from Ukraine until 2014. Since then, Russia has been using VK-2500 copies. Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, admitted that of the 500 engines needed annually, only 200-300 are available.
The shortage of engines affects not only the production of new machines but also the replacement of engines in existing helicopters. The Mi-8 requires thorough inspections every 2,000-3,000 flight hours, and the lack of spare parts increases the risk of failure.
Mi-8 helicopter
The Mi-8, also known as Hip in NATO code, is a versatile medium-range helicopter that has gained immense popularity worldwide since the 1960s. Designed by the Mil design bureau, it had its first flight in 1961. Equipped with two turbine engines, the Mi-8 can reach a maximum cruise speed of 143 mph. Its dimensions are 59 feet in length, 16 feet in height, and a main rotor diameter of 70 feet.
The Mi-8 is a versatile helicopter used for many tasks, such as transporting troops and military equipment, medical evacuation, and rescue missions. This helicopter is capable of carrying up to 24 soldiers or 12 stretchers with two paramedics. Thanks to its modular design, the Mi-8 can be equipped with various weapon systems, including machine guns, unguided rockets, and torpedoes.
