|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 3 November 2002 |
 |
|
 |
Security |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Engine malfunction cause of Kfir crash by ANTON NONIS The preliminary investigations so far carried out by a team of Israeli engineers into the Kfir jet crash in Nakkawatte last week, attribute it to some engine malfunctioning as stated by Air Force officials who had surveyed the scene of tragedy. However, according to Wing Commander Ajith Wijesundara, it would take a few more days before arriving at a conclusion. The plane debris at the crash site have been despatched to the Katunayake Air Force base for detailed tests of the Israeli team. The parts recovered are being fitted in the best possible manner to reproduce a replica of the plane to ascertain the cause for the mishap. On the available data the Air Force officials believe that the misadventure was due to a malfunction in the engine. Moments before the pilot ejected from the fighter aircraft, he had been in touch with the control tower and informed of it. After the pilot had parachuted at a place called Katupotha, the plane had flown on its own for about eight kilometres before nose diving to a coconut plantation in Nakkawatte. The impact had fully destroyed the nose region of the plane. However, the engine was intact with the main body of the aircraft which the Air Force experts believe would be very important in the investigations. According to Wijesundera, a thorough check on the engine was imperative as this was a case of engine malfunctioning. Any remnant plane parts of the wreckage would be airlifted to an aircraft workshop in Israel if the need arose for an extensive check. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
