'Aviation show' to go on despite crash

Despite the Wednesday's aircraft, the five-day Air Aviation  show 2010 will continue, said Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.

``The crash is unfortunate, but the tragedy will not affect the event in any way,’’ the Minister observed.

``Such mishaps have happened in the past, the world over. It is unfortunate, but I don’t think this crash will hamper or affect the event in any way,’’ the Minister added.

According to a Civil Aviation Ministry official, there were five such crashes during air shows in the world last year. Similarly there were four such crashes during air shows in 2008 and seven in 2007.

An Indian Navy trainer aircraft crashed into a two-storied building in a congested locality during a show here on Wednesday, killing the pilot and his co-pilot who found no time to eject.

Commander S.K. Maurya and Lt Commander Rahul Nair were killed when the HJT-16 Kiran Mk2 trainer, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, crashed in Bowenpally locality near the old Begumpet Airport in the city.

More than 200 Indian and international firms - including Airbus, Boeing, Bell, Thales and Dassault - are participating in the exposition hosted by the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

France is a partner country at the exposition. More than 500 delegates from 17 countries are taking part in this air show.