Media reports on “technical fault” in Gudauri helicopter crash “fake” - Georgian Interior Ministry
The helicopter crash in Gudauri in Georgia’s north killed eight individuals on Friday, as they were responding to assist paragliders who had ended up in a ravine earlier. Photo: Government of Georgia press office.
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The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia on Monday dismissed allegations by several opposition-minded TV channels that a technical fault had caused the deadly helicopter crash in Gudauri in the country’s north that claimed eight lives on Friday.
Responding to the “unfounded allegations” over “outdated fleet with technical errors”, the Ministry said that its Border Police helicopter was “fully in compliance with mandatory standards, was maintained and checked before every take-off”.
First of all, we once again express our deep sorrow for the tragedy that happened near Gudauri on July 29 and offer our condolences to the families of the deceased, colleagues, friends and the whole of Georgia. It is unfortunate that we have to publish this statement in light of the tragedy, but it is better for the general public to know the verified and accurate information”, said the statement.
In connection with the day of mourning state flags are lowered on all administrative buildings of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.https://t.co/mrLQhpjXuJ
— MIA of Georgia (@MIAofGeorgia) July 30, 2022
Speaking about the killed crew, the Ministry suggested that Colonel Zaza Loria, Lieutenant Colonel Levan Chokheli, Major Dimitri Kaadze and Lieutenant Andro Kujoshvili were “top-level professionals”.
The flight was conducted by Colonel Zaza Loria, the deputy head of the Main Department of Special Purpose Aviation of the Border Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in the field of flight training, who has been a pilot since 1992 and has commanded a helicopter squadron for years, saving many lives”, said the Ministry.
In its remarks to mandatory procedures, the Ministry stated the helicopter was “completely checked” ahead of each take-off, and that the crew was “never allowed” for a flight if any issue was detected.
Between 2019 and 2022 the Air Park of the Border Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was fully updated, which means that all helicopters were maintained and updated. In March 2022, the Border Police, in full compliance with the rules of Georgian legislation, per the Government's decree, in accordance with the international rules of aviation safety and the manual of aviation technical services, purchased two sets of tail rotor blades for two Mi-8 MTV - 1 helicopters, replacing previous ones”, said the statement.
Pilots, rescuers crashed near Gudauri will be buried with full military honours. Photo: Border Police of the Ministry of Internal Affiars press office.
Responding to media reports over two Super Puma helicopters of the Border Police which were purchased in 2011 under the United National Movement Government, the Ministry stated that the helicopters came “without the necessary equipment for rescue operations”, with one of them, “having luxurious interior and design, was used only for the transportation of high-ranking individuals”.
Providing additional details, the Ministry said “it was disinformation” that one Super Puma helicopter was “stuck” in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, stating that it was parked at the ministry airfield
[Unlike Super Pumas] Mi-8 helicopters are used in search and rescue operations, having special equipment for this”, said the Ministry.
The helicopter had been carrying rescuers of the Emergency Management Service and first aid responders called to assist paragliders who had ended up in the ravine earlier.
There were four crew members onboard the helicopter, as well as two rescuers from the Emergency Management Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and two medics from the Emergency Coordination and Emergency Assistance Centre.
Police are looking into the incident.