Helicopter crashes in Bangalore, co-pilot killed

An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crashed at Yelahanka Air Force station in Bangalore yesterday, killing the co-pilot and critically injuring the pilot.

According to IAF officials, the ill-fated Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) named Dhruv was rehearsing for the upcoming Air Show – Aero India 2007 – scheduled to begin in Bangalore from February 7 when the mishap took place.

Co-pilot Squadron Leader Priye Sharma died on the spot while the pilot Wing Commander V Jaitley sufferred grievious injuries. The injured pilot was rushed to the Air Force Command Hospital nearby. IAF officials said the injured pilot will kept under observation for 24 hours.

IAF officials suspect a technical snag for the helicopter crash. But, a team of IAF officials will conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash.

The crash took place in the Yelahanka air field, which had been cleared for the air show rehearsals. More than 40 countries and over 80 aircraft are expected to participate in the Air Show, which has been billed as the biggest among the four Aero India air shows held so far.