"How did this happen despite a Defense Ministry order against transportation of people?" Putin asked in televised remarks.

"Our military reform was aimed at making the army more viable and effective, so that such tragedies would not occur," said the president.

A helicopter carrying 147 people on board went down Monday in aminefield outside the Khankala military headquarters near the regional capital Grozny. Investigators said they had found a mobile missile launcher near the crash site but did not completelyrule out the possibility of a technical problem of the heavily overloaded aircraft.

Putin demanded a detailed report on the investigation's progress and the reasons for the crash. To find "scapegoats" is not the goal, he stressed, "everybody should have a clear understanding of the situation and bear responsibility."

The president also instructed the minister to rapidly provide all necessary assistance to the families of the victims.

Ivanov said he had appointed a senior military official to oversee transport movements that involve group larger than 20 people. He also said he had banned the use of Mi-26 helicopters for passenger transportation.

On Tuesday, flags were lowed to half-mast across Russia and entertainment programs were cancelled on radio and television to mark a day of mourning for the crash's victims. As another serviceman died overnight, the death toll has risen to 116.

(China Daily August 23, 2002)