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Feb 2007

HAL IJT skids off runway at Aero India in Bangalore
by Suman Sharma

      Bangalore: A major scare was witnessed at the ongoing Aero India show here when a trainer aircraft apparently lost control and veered of the runway. According to television reports, a tyre of the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) manufactured by HAL burst, throwing the plane off balance. Fortunately, the plane didn't catch any fire, even as it skidded off the runway, raising a cloud of dust and smoke. Fire-tenders immediately rushed to the spot. The situation was under control, though all flying activity at the Yelahanka Air base was brought to a halt. The pilot, Wing Commander Baldev Singh, was reported to be safe. This is the first time such an incident has occurred at any aero show in India, but the second mishap involving a HAL aircraft in the three to four days. Ananth Krishna, spokesperson of HAL, said: "We do not the reason exactly right now. Enquiry is on. Design Director Nadgir is there to find out. This is a prototype, and not the actual aircraft." More than 500 companies, including 275 foreign companies, are participating at the five-day event here. Forty-five foreign delegations and the chiefs of 28 air forces including the USAF, RAF, Luftwaffe and the VVS (Russian air force) are taking part in the show.
-Feb 8, 2007