Helicopters

A Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) has crashed the Yelahanka airbase killing the co-pilot and injuring the captain. The aircraft was practicing its display for next week's Aero India 2007 air show.

Co-pilot sqdrn ldr Priye Sharma from the Indian air force died when the Dhruv crashed near a runway at the airbase outside Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore). The pilot, W/Cmdr V Jetely, sustained head injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he is under observation for 72h.

The ALH was set to be star of the show, which starts next week. The Dhruv was one of HAL's most successful programmes.

The air force has ordered an inquiry into the crash.

The Sarang Dhruv aerobatics team in Indian national colours, was formed in 2004 and features on this week's Flight International cover (left).

Read a series of articles on the Indian air show from Flight International 30 January-5 February edition.