At least six people, including three foreign pilots, were killed, and eight others critically injured when a Mari Petroleum Company Ltd (MPCL) helicopter crashed in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Saturday.
According to reports, the Mi-8 helicopter, carrying 14 passengers, was chartered by MPCL, Pakistan’s largest oil exploration company. It crashed in the North Waziristan district, killing six and injuring eight.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that the helicopter departed from Islamabad at 11:15 AM. “MPCL was using a Russian-made helicopter to access remote areas for oil and gas exploration,” the CAA added.
The CAA further said that the crash occurred due to engine failure, prompting an emergency landing attempt in the Shiva area. During the landing, the tail rotor struck the ground, causing the helicopter to overturn. The CAA added that the Bureau of Safety Investigation will conduct a further inquiry into the incident.