Chandigarh, Dec 16 (PTI) A Punjab government helicopter caught fire at the airport as it was preparing to take off from here this morning, leaving two pilots 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 immediately afterwards but were injured in the process.
The helicopter, which was taken 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.
A Punjab government spokesman identified the two pilots as S P S Brar and M S Brar. "Both walked away from the wreckage and received minor scratches," he said.
The two pilots were provided first aid on the spot.
They were later taken to Western Command Hospital at Panchkula where doctors declared them fit.
The spokesman said Punjab government has informed Pawan Hans authorities and DGCA about the incident.
The DGCA has dispatched a team to Chandigarh.
