Russia grapples with a rising Mi‑8 helicopter failure crisis
A Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashed on May 23, 2025, in the Oryol region due to engine failure. As reported by the Ukrainian portal Defence Express, this marks the fifth such incident in 2025 and highlights the "critical shortage of engines" that Russian sources had mentioned in 2023.
The Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashed near the village of Naryshkino in the Oryol region. According to local sources, the aircraft suddenly tilted to one side and began an uncontrolled descent. Preliminary reports indicate an engine failure caused the accident.
Russians lose another Mi-8 helicopter
The helicopter crashed on the site of an abandoned chemical plant. Residents of nearby buildings reported hearing secondary explosions. Although the helicopter's mission is unknown, it likely returned to a base in the Smolensk region, suggesting its affiliation with the 440th Helicopter Regiment.
Defense Express notes that this is the fifth case of engine failure in Mi-8 helicopters in 2025, which represents a significant increase compared to previous years. Russian authorities acknowledged the critical shortage of engines as early as 2023, impacting flight safety.
The Mi-8, like other Russian helicopters, uses TV3-117 engines, which were supplied from Ukraine until 2014. Since then, Russia has been using VK-2500 copies. The Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, admitted that of the 500 engines needed annually, only 200-300 are available.
The shortage of engines affects not only the production of new machines but also the replacement of engines in existing helicopters. The Mi-8 requires thorough inspections every 2,000-3,000 flight hours, and the lack of spare parts increases the risk of failure.
Mi-8 helicopter
The Mi-8, also known by its NATO code name "Hip," is a versatile medium-range helicopter that has gained worldwide popularity since the 1960s. Designed by the Mil Design Bureau, it made its first flight in 1961. Equipped with two turbine engines, the Mi-8 can reach a maximum cruising speed of approximately 143 mph. Its dimensions are about 59 feet in length, 15.6 feet in height, and the main rotor span is roughly 70 feet.
The Mi-8 is a versatile helicopter for many tasks, including transporting troops and military equipment, medical evacuation, and rescue missions. This helicopter can carry up to 24 soldiers or 12 stretchers with two medics. Thanks to its modular design, the Mi-8 can be equipped with various weapon systems, including machine guns, unguided rockets, and torpedoes.
