News
Govt. attributes trainer jet crash to pilot error; SLAF says investigations not concluded
Air Force headquarters yesterday (25) said that the cause of the recent air crash at Wariyapola would be known once the seven-member investigation team concluded its inquiry.
SLAF Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe ordered the special investigation immediately after the K-8 advanced jet trainer crashed during a training flight.
Air Force Spokesman Eranda Geeganage said that the inquiry was continuing. The Island sought clarification from Air Force headquarters in the wake of Transport Minister and Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake attributing the March 21 crash to pilot error.
The trainer, attached to the No 05 Katunayake-based fighter squadron, crashed. Two personnel, including a qualified flight instructor, successfully ejected themselves before the crash.
Meanwhile, Minister Bimal Ratnayake told the media on Tuesday that the air crash had occurred due to a pilot error according to a Defence Ministry report he had seen. (SF)