Jammu: A bird-hit soon after take-off downed the helicopter that killed six pilgrims from Vaishno Devi and a woman pilot in Jammu's Katra today. The aircraft -- which was returning from Sanji Chhat to Katra -- crashed and caught fire.
Eyewitnesses said the pilot, Sumeeta Vijayan, crashed while trying to land in an open space.
But the former Air Force pilot failed, as the tail rotor of the helicopter got damaged and the aircraft got out of control. The single-engine chopper was built in 2010.
"A bird was found dead near crashed helicopter. It seems the helicopter collided with bird that led to crash. We'll be inquiring further," said Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh.
The helicopter belonged to the privately-run Himalayan Heli Services, which also runs choppers for the Chardham Yatra.
23/11/15 Sheikh Zaffar Iqbal/Anindita Sanyal/NDTV
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Eyewitnesses said the pilot, Sumeeta Vijayan, crashed while trying to land in an open space.
But the former Air Force pilot failed, as the tail rotor of the helicopter got damaged and the aircraft got out of control. The single-engine chopper was built in 2010.
"A bird was found dead near crashed helicopter. It seems the helicopter collided with bird that led to crash. We'll be inquiring further," said Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh.
The helicopter belonged to the privately-run Himalayan Heli Services, which also runs choppers for the Chardham Yatra.
23/11/15 Sheikh Zaffar Iqbal/Anindita Sanyal/NDTV
