Naval plane crash-lands at Goa airport; pilot killed

A 'Sea Harrier' fighter aircraft crashed during the take-off run at Dabolim airport, killing the pilot.

A 'Sea Harrier' fighter aircraft of the Indian Navy crashed during the take-off run at Dabolim airport, killing the pilot Lt Commander HS Pannu.

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The aircraft, which was on a routine training mission crashed at 11.30 hours when it hit a barrier during the take-off, run at the airport, a naval spokesperson said.

This is the first crash of a sea harrier in the last three years, he said adding a board of inquiry has been ordered to probe the cause of the crash.

Meanwhile, the runway at Dabolim airport has been closed for air traffic till further instructions, following the crash-landing.

Airport sources said the runway is expected to be opened by 2.30 pm and the first flight will leave only after that.

Six flights were scheduled to take off or land at Dabolim airport. Evening flights are also expected to be delayed, as the airport has only one runway, the sources said.