News
K-8 trainer jet crash report due in weeks
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
An initial report on the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) K-8 training aircraft crash is expected within two to three weeks, or longer if the investigation uncovers complications, Air Force Media Spokesman Group Captain Eranda Geeganage told the Sunday Times.
The aircraft, used for advanced pilot training by the No. 05 Fighter Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake, crash-landed in a coconut field in Wariyapola during a routine training exercise.
The two pilots ejected and landed in the Padeniya Minuwangete Vidyalaya. They were admitted to the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital and are now at the SLAF Guwanpura Hospital in Colombo.
“The wing commander (instructor) and the trainee flying officer are in stable condition, with the wing commander under medical surveillance,” Group Capt. Geeganage said. He said that the aircraft, which has a service life until 2030, was certified airworthy for two more years by its Chinese manufacturers late last year.
SLAF Commander Bandu Edirisinghe appointed a seven-member committee of engineers, pilots, a medical officer, a Ministry of Defence representative, and an administrative officer to investigate.
Meanwhile, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Bimal Ratnayake attributed the crash to pilot error, citing a report by the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuiyacontha on March 21 — before the SLAF had officially released its
findings.
However, Group Capt. Geeganage clarified that such a report had not been issued.
Furthermore, Defence Ministry Media Spokesman Colonel Nalin Herath told the Sunday Times that the minister may have referred to the airworthiness report instead. “We believe the minister may have referred to the airworthiness regarding the K-8,” he said.
“Normally, you can’t obtain such reports within 2-3 days. It takes time as a thorough investigation is required. You need to visit the location and conduct extensive forensic analysis,” Col Herath said.
“The deputy defence minister also specifically mentioned that we have yet to receive the accident report. The defence secretary has instructed the Air Force commander to conduct a thorough study and a detailed examination.’’
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