Air Force chopper crashes, four killed

A Sri Lankan Air Force helicopter crashed today while on a training exercise in a remote jungle, killing all the four defence personnel, including two pilots, on board.

A Sri Lankan Air Force helicopter crashed on Friday while on a training exercise in a remote jungle, killing all the four defence personnel, including two pilots, on board.

HT Image

The MI-24 helicopter was engaged in training exercises when it went down near 'Rattaran Kivula' mountains in Buttala, about 240 kilometers from Colombo, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

The pilots reported a mechanical problem before the crash reported at around 1.30 pm.

"Four air force personnel including the two pilots were killed in the MI 24 helicopter crash at Buttala this morning," Sunday Times online reported.