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Military plane crashes in Dubai

Preeti Kannan
Nov 18, 2011

DUBAI // An Italian-made military aircraft, returning to Italy after the Dubai Airshow, crashed in Dubai this morning (Fri).

Alenia Aermacchi, which owns the trainer M-346, confirmed that the plane crashed and that its crew of two pilots ejected before the aircraft went down.

According to reports, the plane crashed into the sea near the Deira Palm Island, which is still under construction. However, a spokesperson for Alenia Aermacchi did not confirm the exact location of the crash.

"Yes, there has been an accident in Dubai," the spokesperson said. "The plane was a military aircraft and was at the Dubai Airshow. It was returning to Italy after the show. The crew that was in the plane ejected with success and didn't receive any serious injuries."

The spokesperson said the aircraft was a prototype used only by the company and not for sale.

"The causes of the accident are currently being investigated and in accordance with company procedures, an internal investigation committee has also been set up," he added in a written statement.

"Alenia Aermacchi representatives are co-operating closely with the local authorities, through the Italian embassy in the United Arab Emirates."

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the accident, but said it could not disclose further details as the investigations fell under the UAE military's purview.

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