A video has emerged showing a Russian Kamov Ka 52 Alligator attack helicopter nearly crashing while pulling a dangerous stunt over a reservoir in Ukraine. The incident happened in the Luhansk Oblast.
The footage, which shows two Ka 52 s flying into the frame from a distance, shows two of them flying into the frame. The Ka-52 is an all-weather attack helicopter operated by the Russian Air Force, designed for the destruction of tanks, armored and non-armored vehicles.
Recent reports have mentioned that they fly at very low altitudes in war zones to evade Ukrainian MANPADS, including Javelins and other surface-to air missiles. Russia has also armed 52 Ka-52 helicopters with the Igla-V, a short-range air-to-air missile that can attack attacking drones.
The video shows the first chopper descending slowly before maneuvering sideways, parallel to the reservoir. It swoops down dangerously close to the water level before trying to pull a dangerous stunt.
According to The Drive, the pilots may have decided to put on a show for the people standing next to the reservoir. Helo then moves closer to the shore, almost a foot above the water level, before suddenly losing control and maneuvering violently. The tail of the chopper almost touches the water, sending ripples in the water.
The pilot regains control quickly. He then stabilizes the Ka 52 and gains altitude. Although the second Ka 52 flies by at a higher altitude, its distinctive V marking could be seen.
The report claims it is in the city of Alchevsk in Luhansk Oblast, although it is not known where the reservoir is located. The original video was first posted on May 30 by an unidentified person.
On May 29 there was another video from the same spot on social media. On May 29 there was a Ka-52 helicopter flying over the same stretch of water. The video mentioned the reservoir in Alchevsk, and was later geo-located by a Twitter user. He suggested that the area was somewhere on the banks of the Isakivs'ke reservoir.
A third video showing two Ka 52 s putting up shows, including flare releases, went viral on Tuesday.
Ukraine recently claimed that Russian troops were keeping a Ka-52 helicopter squadron ready to provide aviation support to their units in the area north of Izium in the Kharkiv region.