Sikorsky S-70 crash near Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

A Royal Saudi Air Force Sikorsky S-70 helicopter crashed in the Asir region near the Yemen border while on a return flight from an inspection of coastal projects near Abha. All eight on board were killed including Prince Mansour bin Muqrin, the Deputy Governor of Asir Province and son of former Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz. The helicopter disappeared from radar for two hours before the deaths were confirmed. The crash occurred on the same day as a major Saudi anti-corruption purge in which dozens of princes and businessmen were arrested, leading to widespread speculation about the circumstances, though Saudi authorities attributed it to an accident. No official cause has been published.