Government helicopter crashes on airport runway; two pilots killed

RAIPUR: Two pilots were killed after a Chhattisgarh government helicopter crashed on the runway of the Vivekanand airport in Raipur. The accident happened around 9 pm. Captain Gopal Krishna Pandey and Captain AP Sri Vastava were killed in the accident, police said. There were no other passengers on the helicopter.

One pilot died at the scene while the other died on the way to the hospital. The helicopter crashed during routine training. The helicopter was completely wrecked.

A detailed technical investigation on behalf of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Chhattisgarh Government will be undertaken to ascertain the exact cause.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed deep anguish at the loss of lives. He has asked officials to provide immediate relief to the bereaved families.