N3 incident in India

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Chopper catches fire at airport, 2 pilots injured - The Times of India

CHANDIGARH: A Punjab government helicopter caught fire at the Chandigarh airport as it was preparing to take off from here on Thursday morning. Two pilots were injured.

The Dauphin N3 seven seater Pawan Hans helicopter was taxiing at the airport when it suddenly tilted and hit the ground before catching fire, official sources said.

The pilots managed to come out soon after but were injured in the process.

The helicopter, on lease from a private company, was to pick up Punjab industries minister Manorajan Kalia, who was scheduled to go on an official visit to Mukerian in Hoshiarpur district, from Rajindra Park here.

The DGCA had ordered an inquiry into the incident, the sources said.

Fire tenders were rushed to the spot and defused the fire.

Police said the two pilots have been provided medical aid and one of them had been taken to hospital.

The aircraft was on lease with the state government for the last 14 years, an official said.