The otherwise successful Aero India 2007 show taking place this week in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) has been marred by the two accidents involving Indian aircraft involved in the aerobatic display.
Yesterday, one of two Hindustan Aeronautics Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) prototypes (pictured below) had an accident while preparing for an acrobatic display. A Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) that was part of the Indian Air Force's Sarang helicopter acrobatic team crashed during a rehearsal, killing one pilot and seriously injuring the other. .
"Just as the IJT was about to take off, a tyre burst and the pilot had to veer to the right before stopping the aircraft. The pilot walked away without any injury," says HAL. "The Dhruv has an excellent safety record. The pilot appeared to lose height and crashed, and it was unfortunate. The IAF is investigating."
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© Jim Winchester
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