A Cambodian military Z-9 helicopter flies over Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park past the Vattanac Tower in January this year. Scott Howes
RCAF helicopter crashes, killing 5
A ROYAL Cambodian Armed Forces helicopter, one of a group of
Z-9 helicopters received from China in 2013, has crashed during a
training exercise in Phnom Penh’s Dangkor district, killing five people
with one seriously injured.
Chhay Bonna, director of Phnom Penh airport, said that RCAF Air Force unit 904 was training in the area when the helicopter went down in a partially excavated field near Prey Sar prison in Dangkor district at about 9:30am. Recent rains had filled the field, giving it the appearance of a large pond.
“They conduct training every day, but there was a problem today,” he said, adding that the cause of the crash remains unclear.
Phnom Penh deputy police chief Chuon Narin confirmed that five people were killed in the incident. He didn’t provide details on the seriousness of the sole survivor’s injuries.
The Z-9 helicopters cost nearly $200 million and arrived in the country last year. Some of the helicopters, which the government said were primarily intended to be used for humanitarian operations, were involved in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370 in March.
Chhay Bonna, director of Phnom Penh airport, said that RCAF Air Force unit 904 was training in the area when the helicopter went down in a partially excavated field near Prey Sar prison in Dangkor district at about 9:30am. Recent rains had filled the field, giving it the appearance of a large pond.
“They conduct training every day, but there was a problem today,” he said, adding that the cause of the crash remains unclear.
Phnom Penh deputy police chief Chuon Narin confirmed that five people were killed in the incident. He didn’t provide details on the seriousness of the sole survivor’s injuries.
The Z-9 helicopters cost nearly $200 million and arrived in the country last year. Some of the helicopters, which the government said were primarily intended to be used for humanitarian operations, were involved in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370 in March.
Hahaha, Made in China military hardware. Sad for the victims.
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