HAL suffers accidents as show organisers celebrate records

Last week's Aero India show in Bangalore was a success for the organisers, with a record number of exhibitors and teeming crowds.

But it was not as pleasant for Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) after two accidents involving its aircraft. A Dhruv advanced light helicopter in the Indian air force's Sarang helicopter acrobatic team crashed during a rehearsal, killing one pilot and seriously injuring the other. During the show, one of two Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) prototypes (right and above) had an accident. "Just as the IJT was about to take off, a tyre burst and the pilot had to veer to the right before stopping. The pilot walked away without injury," says HAL. "The Dhruv has an excellent safety record. The pilot appeared to lose height and crashed. The air force is investigating," it adds.

Source: Flight International