London, Dec 22 (IANS): The UN Security Council (UNSC) has deplored the shooting down of its helicopter in South Sudan and urged the government to conduct a swift and through probe.

The members of the security council strongly deplored the helicopter's shooting down in Jonglei state of South Sudan, Xinhua quoted a UN statement as saying.

The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has also been urged to conduct a through investigation of the incident.

The UNMISS MI8 helicopter was performing reconnaissance flights to the area when it was shot down by the Sudan People's Liberation Army, leaving all four Russian flight members killed, it added.

"The members of the security council extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the crew, members and to the government of the Russian Federation," the statement said.

The South Sudanese military has told the UNMISS the shooting took place "by accident", Farhan Haq, the associate UN spokesperson said.