The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has issued an urgent warning to the public after a training aircraft faced serious danger from kite strings near Ratmalana Airport today.

A Y‑12 aircraft engaged in training flights was forced to land after kite strings became entangled in its systems. 

According to SLAF, subsequent inspection revealed large amounts of string caught in the left wheel, left engine area, and several other parts, highlighting the severe risk posed to aviation safety.

Issuing a statement, SLAF stressed that kite flying near airports and runways is a direct obstruction to aircraft operations and has been identified globally as a cause of aviation accidents.

In Sri Lanka, the risk has escalated around runways in Katunayake, Ratmalana, Hingurakgoda, China Bay, Anuradhapura, Palali, Katukurunda, Koggala, Vavuniya, Weerawila, and Mattala.

SLAF warned that if kite strings or fragments enter an aircraft’s engine or operating systems, the entire aircraft could face catastrophic failure, with high potential for loss of life and property.

To ensure aviation safety and protect passenger lives, residents living near airports and runways have been strongly urged to refrain from flying kites in such zones. (Newswire)

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A mistake at the hands of the training pilots had resulted in the recent crash of a Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft, Minister of Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake said. 

Speaking to reporters, Minister Rathnayake said he had requested and received a copy of the investigation report by the specially appointed technical committee probing the crash. 

He further clarified that per the report, the aircraft and engines were well-maintained and not old.

“Just because old vehicles are allowed to run on the roads, we cannot do so with aircraft. The pilots flying this specific aircraft were under training. A mistake had been made by them. We are relieved that the trainers survived the accident. This is an ordinary incident during training and happens the world over,” he said. 

Minister Bimal Rathnayake stressed this was the only reason for the Air Force aircraft crash last week and this was the finding of the technical report on the crash as well. 

A Sri Lanka Air Force training aircraft crashed in Wariyapola on Friday, 21 March.

A K-8 training jet with two pilots had suddenly gone out of radar contact and later crashed at Minuwangete in Wariyapola.

However, both pilots had managed to safely eject, landing at a school in Padeniya, Kurunegala. (Newswire)

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Video footage has emerged on the Sri Lanka Air Force training aircraft crash reported in Wariyapola early this morning.

A K-8 training jet with two pilots had suddenly gone out of radar contact and later crashed at Minuwangete in Wariyapola.

However, both pilots had managed to safely eject, landing at a school in Padeniya, Kurunegala.

The public has captured videos of moments before the aircraft crashed, as well as the pilots safely ejecting. (Newswire)

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Four aircraft bound for the Katunayake Airport were diverted to the Mattala Airport and the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India today.

It is reported that the aircraft had been diverted due to low visibility as a result of mist in the vicinity and over Katunayake this morning.

SriLankan Airlines flights UL-226 from Dubai which was to land at 05.00 am, UL-881 from China’s Guangzhou, and UL-174 from India’s Bangalore which was to land at 05.05 am, had been diverted from the Katunayake Airport to Mattala. 

Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines flight TK-730 from Istanbul which was to land at the Katunayake Airport at 06.00 am was diverted to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Air Force marked a significant chapter in history with the ceremonial induction of two Harbin Y-12 IV aircraft, purchased at a cost of US$ 18 million.

The momentous ceremony held at SLAF Base Ratmalana on Tuesday (Dec 05) was graced by the State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Qi Zhenhong.

Manufactured by Harbin Aviation Industry Co. Ltd. in China, the acquisition of these state-of-the-art aircraft is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting tourism within Sri Lanka.

Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said 70% of the total cost has already been paid and the remaining 30% will be settled in installments over the next two years.   

In addition to fulfilling operational, search, and rescue needs, the Air Force Commander highlighted the unique capability of these aircraft to support tourism promotion. Each aircraft has a capacity for 15 passengers. 

Sri Lanka Air Force said in a statement that these aircraft will be inducted into the No. 8 “Light Transport” Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force. The No. 8 Tactical Transport Squadron, renowned as “The Cradle of Transport Pilots,” laid the foundation for this historic occasion on 02 April 1996. Originally equipped with eight Y-12 II aircraft (SCL 851 to SCL 859) inducted in 1987, these aircraft played a pivotal role in various air operations during the local theatre of war.

The formal proceedings on Tuesday commenced with the signing of documents symbolizing the transfer of the Harbin Y-12 aircraft to the Sri Lanka Air Force. Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and Den Ling from China National Aero Technology Import & Export Cooperation presided over this key moment, marking the official handover.

Addressing the gathering, the Commander of the Air Force, expressed gratitude for the strategic partnership and elaborated on the significance of the new additions to the Sri Lanka Air Force’s fleet. He emphasized the continued commitment to strengthening international collaborations, highlighting the value of the Harbin Y-12 IV aircraft in enhancing the Air Force’s operational capabilities.

In a gesture of appreciation, a memento was presented to the Chief Guest, State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, to commemorate the historical milestone. Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa extended his gratitude to the State Minister of Defence, acknowledging the untiring support in advancing the capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, expressed pride in witnessing this significant occasion and reiterated the government’s commitment, guided by the Chief of the Armed Forces and President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremasinghe, to ensuring regional security and stability.

This significant occasion was attended by Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Chief of Staff of the SLAF, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, officials of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, Members of the CATIC from China and representatives of CATIC Sri Lanka, senior officers of the SLAF and other officials. (NewsWire)

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A successor Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft was handed over to Sri Lanka by India at a ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base in Katunayake today.

During the bilateral security discussions that transpired between India and Sri Lanka on January 9, 2018, in New Delhi, the potential acquisition of maritime surveillance aircraft akin to the Dornier type from India was brought to attention. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the aim was to bolster Sri Lanka’s capabilities in maritime surveillance.

In response to Sri Lanka’s request, the Indian government took proactive measures during these deliberations. They decided to provide a Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft, which was part of the Indian Navy’s fleet, to Sri Lanka free of cost for two years. 

The formal handover of this aircraft took place at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake, with the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay officiating.

Upon its delivery, the Donier-228 aircraft was instrumental in performing specialized tasks within Sri Lanka over the past year.

Subsequently, it underwent mandatory annual maintenance services in India. Instead of the aircraft undergoing maintenance, a replacement Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft was assigned to the Sri Lanka Air Force at a ceremony held today (16) in Katunanayake.

Since its initial arrival in Sri Lanka, the Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft has significantly contributed to numerous operations.

These encompass a spectrum of activities such as monitoring and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s airspace and exclusive economic zone through maritime and coastal surveillance operations, executing search and rescue missions, and monitoring and controlling maritime pollution.

The official handover of the successor aircraft to Sri Lanka was attended by a delegation representing the Sri Lankan Government. This delegation included Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Presidential Chief of Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, HE Gopal Baglay, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd) Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and other officials. (NewsWire)

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The PT-6 aircraft that crashed yesterday killing two Air Force officials was assembled in 1958, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera stated. 

Addressing the Parliament today, MP Jayasekera stated that the aircraft manufactured in China had been assembled in 1958 and fitted with an engine manufactured in 1961.

Emphasizing that the PT-6 fleet should be on display at a museum, the SLFP MP stated that it should not be used to train pilots.

MP Dayasiri Jayasekera stated that six pilots have died in crashes involving PT-6 aircraft in Sri Lanka.

Pointing out that the aircraft was unfit for training sessions, the MP questioned who will take responsibility for the deaths repeatedly occurring due to its usage.

The SLFP MP raised the matter while addressing the deaths of an Air Force Wing Commander and an Aircraft Engineer/ Flying Officer while conducting an air test of a PT-6 aircraft in China Bay in the Eastern Province yesterday. 

Wing Commander Tharindu Herath and Flying Officer Peshan Warnasooriya had departed from the airstrips of China Bay around 11.25 am after which the aircraft crashed at an area inside the China Bay Camp around 11.27 am, killing them both. (NewsWire)

Two pilots have died resulting in a fateful crash. The aircraft manufactured in #China had been assembled in 1958 & fitted with an engine manufactured in 1961. We weren't even born in 1961. The PT-6 fleet should be on display at a museum & not used to train pilots. Who will take… pic.twitter.com/fU4F1wRPOq

— Manthri.LK_Watch (@ManthriLK_Watch) August 8, 2023

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A training aircraft that took off from the airstrips of the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy in China Bay in the Eastern Province has crashed killing two persons onboard. 

Director Media Airforce, Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe told NewsWire, that both the trainer and the trainee have been killed in the crash.

Group Captain Wijesinghe stated that the aircraft, a PT 6, had taken off for an air test this morning and had crashed in an area at the China Bay Camp around 11.27 am

He further stated that an Investigative Committee has been appointed by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa to conduct further investigations into the incident. (NewsWire)

More to follow

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