panaji
A helicopter on Monday crashed and burst into flames, killing three Indian navy personnel, at the airport in the popular holiday resort state of Goa, a naval official said. "The chopper crashed at 0951 (0421 GMT) and it had three crew -- two officers and one sailor. There are no survivors," a spokesman told AFP from INS Hansa naval airbase which is part of Dabolim airport.
The rotor of the four-seater Chetak broke off while the flight from Mumbai was landing at Dabolim, and the helicopter crashed, the spokesman said.
The machine then exploded into flames, witnesses said.
The airport, used by both the navy and civilians including the many tourists visiting Goa, would be reopened after clearance of the debris, the spokesman said.
Indian has a jistory of its planes crashing over poor maintenance and issues governing purchase of aircrafts. However, such matters are usually brushed under the carpet.