Hama (Syria) Jan 3 (IANS/AKI) A Russian military helicopter crashed near Hama in northwest Syria last week killing both of its pilots the Russia s Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday.
A technician aboard the doomed Mi-24 chopper survived Sunday s crash which was caused by mechanical problems the ministry said.
"The two pilots died during an emergency landing 15 kilometres from their air base " the ministry stated.
The helicopter was escorting a convoy at the time of the crash and clipped power cables before it came down the Conflict Intelligence Team non-government organisation reported.
CIT said it did not know if the convoy being escorted by the chopper was transporting humanitarian aid or military equipment.
--IANS/AKI
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