Helluva shot with a TOW; the system is designed (primarily) for use against tanks and other vehicles moving on the ground.
However, the pilot was flying straight and level, which makes it easier to engage with a wire-guided weapon like a TOW. Looked like the missile took off the MI-25’s tail rotor, which put it into a fatal spin.
There have been a number of shoot-downs of Syrian regime aircraft over the past few weeks. “War is Boring” claims the rebels have managed to put a few captured SA-8 TELARs (transporter/erector/launcher and radar) back into action, and taking out several fixed wing and rotary acft from the Syrian Air Force.
It is a bit surprising that the rebels have been able to restore SA-8s to operational service. Probably no shortage of former SAM technicians who are now aligned with the rebels, but the SA-8 is a 70s era system and parts are in short supply, including working missiles. But the SAF really doesn’t have any SEAD capabilities left, so as long as the rebels can keep the SA-8s in service, they will keep knocking down regime aircraft.
Another interesting note: some of the pilots killed in the shootdowns have been flag officers, along with Colonels. That is probably another reflection of casualties, defections and the fact that Assad’s military has always been top-heavy.
How likely it is that it even was a TOW?