Two people, pilot and passenger, died as a result of the crash of a Mil Mi-2 helicopter in the Russian southwestern Krasnodar territory, according to a senior criminalist with the local investigative committee.

“Two people died as a result of the crash. One of them was a pilot, information on the second one, whether he was a crew member or a passenger, is being clarified,” Sergei Boyko told RIA Novosti.

Boyko added that the incident took place at about 12:15 GMT while the chopper was carrying out agricultural works. An investigation into the cause of the crash has been opened by the corresponding authorities, the official added.