Points that suggesting it was an accident:

- Official proclamation

- Fog and bad weather was confirmed from several independent sources

Points suggesting it wasn't an accident:

- Coincidence of 1 out of 3 helicopters crashing with the one crashing containing the President and VIPs

- Lack of telecommunication before the crash, either with base or even among the 3 helicopters. At least, officially, that is the info.

- The plane was US made (this is more of an enabling aspect).

- Putin publicly offering to find the "real reason" behind the crash (his wording was important).

In any case, I agree with the points you made ... we're living in interesting but tragic times ...