Seven Killed in IAF Chopper Crash in UP

An Indian Air Force helicopter, which was going towards Allahabad, crashed in Manipurwa in Ataria area.

LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI: An Advanced Light Helicopter of the Indian Air Force crashed in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur district Friday, killing all seven people on board, officials said

The helicopter was on way from Bareilly to Allahabad. Just before the crash, the two pilots reportedly contacted the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and alerted them about a technical glitch.

But before the ATC could guide them or send help, the chopper nose-dived into an agricultural field near Palitpurwa village under the Atariya police station and caught fire.

A defence ministry release in New Delhi said that crash occurred at 4.57 pm.

"The helicopter was airborne from Bareilly at 1553 hrs (3.53 p.m.) and was on a mission to Allahabad. The pilot gave a 'may-day' (emergency) call and soon after that there was a loss of contact on radar and on radio," it said.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Lucknow, Navniet Sikera said all on board the helicopter perished in the crash. Quoting IAF officials, he said the chopper had seven people on board.

Since the crash site was difficult to access, the police were finding it difficult to reach the spot, an official said.