Dubai: An Italian prototype plane crashed yesterday off Dubai's coast on its way home after taking part in the Dubai Airshow, aviation sources said.
The pilot and co-pilot ejected safely, but the co-pilot suffered a fractured leg and both men were taken to Rashid Hospital for treatment and observation. Both are doing well, sources said.
The plane, an M346, had taken off from Dubai Airport around noon and was headed toward Saudi Arabia when a ‘technical glitch' occurred, sources said. The pilot reportedly lost contact with the control tower and shortly later it crashed off the Deira Palm Island.
The Dubai Police rescue teams and ambulances were mobilised immediately to the crash scene.
A statement from the company, Alenia Aermacchi, that owned the aircraft said the plane was a prototype.
It said that the accident occurred while flying in UAE airspace on its return journey to Italy. "The on-board crew successfully ejected from the aircraft and no serious injuries were reported."
The statement adds that the accident is being investigated and an internal investigation committee has also been set up.
With inputs from WAM
