2007 Paramount Airlines Mil Mi-8 crash
| Industry | Aviation |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Sierra Leone |
Template:EngvarB Template:Infobox Airliner accident On 3 June 2007, a Mil Mi-8 helicopter operated by Paramount Airlines crashed in the vicinity of Lungi International Airport in Sierra Leone, resulting in the deaths of around 20 to 22 individuals.
Background
In the year 2007, the only viable transportation options connecting the airport and the capital city, Freetown, which are separated by the Sierra Leone River near its outlet to the Atlantic Ocean, were helicopters, hovercrafts, and sea ferries.
The passengers aboard were supporters of the Togolese national football team returning from a match against Sierra Leone. The flight crew consisted of two pilots from Ukraine. The aircraft had been chartered exclusively for this journey.
Crash and emergency response
Eyewitness accounts indicate that both pilots exited the helicopter immediately before it crashed. Subsequent reports confirmed that all 22 occupants perished, except for the Russian co-pilot who survived.
Upon impact, the helicopter ignited and was completely consumed by fire before firefighters managed to control the blaze.
Witnesses at the airport reported a delay of approximately 40 minutes before firefighting personnel arrived at the crash site. The firefighter responsible for the fire truck keys was absent from his post at that time. As a result, airport staff attempted to extinguish the flames using buckets of water.
Investigation
Due to most victims being Togolese football fans attending an African Cup of Nations qualifying match held on Sunday, Togo dispatched a six-member delegation to assist with the investigation. This group included Richard Attipoe, Togo’s Minister of Sports.
Following the crash, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Dr Prince Harding, along with the nation’s two highest-ranking aviation officials, were dismissed. Additionally, a commission of inquiry was established to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
References
Template:Togo national football team Template:Aviation accidents and incidents in 2007 08°36′59.20″N 13°11′43.76″W / 8.6164444°N 13.1954889°W