MOSCOW 

Three people died in a hard landing of a military helicopter in Russia's Moscow region, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

The incident happened during a training flight, which was performed without ammunition, near the city of Klin, 85 kilometers (53 miles) northwest of Moscow, the ministry said in a statement.

According to the preliminary data, a technical malfunction is suspected for the accident.

The rescuers found both flight data recorders on the spot in satisfactory condition.

A special commission is heading to the scene to search out all the facts.