The Hindu : National : `Soundarya may have hit control panels inadvertently'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 21, 2004

National

National

`Soundarya may have hit control panels inadvertently'

By Our Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA, APRIL 20. Failure to remove the control panels near the co-pilot's seat before allowing a passenger to sit there might have led to the crash of the Cessna 180 aircraft of Agni Aero Sports Pvt. Ltd at Jakkur near Bangalore on April 17, the executive pilot of the plane, Ranjit Jackson, has said.

Four persons, including actress Soundarya, were killed in the crash. Mr. Ranjit Jackson who arrived at Chunakkara near Mavelikkara in Alappuzha district to take part in the funeral ceremonies of his colleague, John Philip — pilot of the aircraft — told reporters that the actress was allowed to take the co-pilot's seat without removing the control panels there. He said the aircraft might have taken a turn before it crashed and that the pilot might have turned the plane to avoid being hit by a bird.

The actress, unnerved by the incident, could have hit the control panels accidentally resulting in loss of control, Mr. Jackson suggested.

Mr. Jackson also noted that the plane did not have insurance coverage. The insurance cover had expired on February 20.

He denied reports that the plane did not have a fitness certificate. It was in good condition and the engine was new, he claimed.

He said the deceased pilot was an experienced person. ``But there were a large number of birds near the Jakkur airfield.'' The practice of depositing wastes near the airfield led to the proliferation of birds there, he said, adding that though the authorities were informed about it nothing was done.

The body of the pilot was buried at the Indian Pentecostal Church cemetery at Vettiyar this morning. Before the burial the body was kept at Peace Villa, his home at Chunakkara.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National