LOTN provided a unauthorized overhaul on a helicopter Mi-17V-5 of the Defense Ministry of Afghanistan.
On September 10, Russian Helicopters issued an official comment regarding a unauthorized overhaul of a helicopter Mi-17V-5 of the Defense Ministry of Afghanistan. The operation was carried out by the Slovak Aircraft repair company LOTN, a.s.. Indeed, the overhaul was carried out under the MRO documentation developed by LOTN without the participation and supervision of the designer and manufacturer. The designer Mil as well as the manufacturer Kazan thus disclaim all liability for the further safe operation of this rotorcraft. Russian Helicopters specifies: “Updated overhaul and design documentation for the military-transport helicopter Mi-17V-5, spare parts and group kits for overhaul were never supplied to the aircraft repair company in question.” The Russian holding company adds it notifies “all Russian and international agencies and entities concerned on the enrollment of the Slovak Aircraft repair company LOTN on the list of aircraft repair facilities performing unauthorized overhaul of military-transport rotorcraft of Mi-17V-5 type.”
Furthermore, Russian Helicopters comments it will most likely refuse to provide service support for this helicopter’s operation.