Accident at AeroIndia 2007 air show
08 Feb 2007
Bangalore: An Indian Air Force Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) skid off the runaway at the Yelahanka Air Force Base this afternoon, causing panic among the Indian and foreign delegates who had gathered to watch the world's foremost aviation companies.
No casualty has been reported.
The incident came close on the heels of a successful landing of an Indian Air Force light combat aircraft (LCA).
As soon as the LCA had landed, the IJT began readying for take-off when one of its tyres burst. The aircraft immediately veered and skid off the runway.
IJTs are manufactured by the public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Bangalore.
The IJT was officially launched on 21 March 2003, at a function organised at the HAL Bangalore Complex. Then defence minister George Fernandes was the chief guest at the function.
It replaced HJT-26 Kiran Mk I, IA and II aircrafts. The IJT programme had been flagged off after the Indian Air Force had given the green signal in mid-1999.
The IJT is powered by a Larzac 04-20 engine and has a maximum speed of 750 kmph and a range of 1200km.