An Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) lost control and veered off the runway at air force station Yelahanka, near Bangalore, holding up flights at the international air show Aero India 2007 for an hour on Thursday.
The trainer raised a cloud of smoke and dust as it ran off the runway just as it was poised for takeoff. But there was no fire. The aircraft lost control because one of its tyres burst on the runway. Subsequently, all flying operations were suspended for an hour at the airforce station.
Indian Air Force (IAF) officers later announced that the pilot was unhurt and resumed flights at the airshow.
Aviation majors from all over the world are taking part at the airshow, eying a slice of the multi-billion dollar budget of the Indian armed forces and civil aviaton sector.