Georgian Border Police Mi-8MTV-1 crashed

On 29 July 2022, a Mil Mi-8 helicopter of the Georgian Border Police, which flew from Tbilisi for a rescue operation in Gudauri, crashed and exploded. On board of the helicopter were eight people, four crewmembers, two rescuers from the emergency management service and two medics, which were all killed in the crash. The helicopter was completely burnt.

The Mi-8 was dispatched in relation to a paraglider accident in the mountainous region, at the ski-resort of Gudauri in Northern Georgia. On video footage of the accident, it appears the helicopter damaged its tail rotor, after which it spiralled out of control and crashed.

The Georgian Border Police operates a handful of Mi-8MTV-1 helicopters, which are not only used to patrol Georgia’s borders with neighbouring countries, but are also for search and rescue missions. The main base of the Georgian Border Police is at Alekseyevka, the military part of Tbilisi international airport, although detachments are maintained at other locations if needed.

The serial of the helicopter involved is as yet unconfirmed although press statements are accompanied by photos of GBP-10005, which was last noted operational at Tbilisi in May 2022.

Photo via Georgian MOI