Search for crashed helicopter underway

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-02-2008 17:58

Search and rescue teams are still looking for a military transport helicopter that crashed in the mountains near the quake's epicenter in Wenchuan county on Saturday.

Two rescue helicopters are searching for the missing chopper, while thousands of troops on land have been searching continuously.

This is what the weather was like on Saturday, when the Mi-171 helicopter crashed around 3pm near Yingxiu Township.

It was returning from a mission to carry epidemic prevention experts to Lixian County when it encountered strong turbulence and thick fog, losing contact with the command center.

There were nineteen people on board -- five crew members and 14 injured local residents.

The crew, led by Qiu Guanghua, had completed 63 flights, transferring nearly 26 tons of relief materials and more than 300 quake relief workers and victims since the May 12th earthquake.

Before the accident, Qiu Guanghua said he would try his best to accomplish the mission.

Qiu Guanghua, pilot of crashed helicopter, said, "The pilot must observe conditions while in the air, and then judge wether it's possible to land, and where to land. Pilots always try best to make the best use of the helicopters' operation capabilities."

Qiu's crew had always carried out military missions well and this time the task was very tough. The accident occurred over difficult terrain and in poor weather conditions.

Two rescue helicopters are searching for the missing chopper, while thousands of troops on land have been searching continuously.

Vice chairman of the Central Military Commission Guo Boxiong is at the front lines to direct the operation.

The helicopter crashed among deep ravines surrounded by high mountains, making the search mission very arduous. The military is broadening the scope of the search to locate the helicopter as soon as possible.

Editor:Zhang Ning