Cargo plane catches fire, pilots leap to safety

Chennai, June 15 (UNI) Two pilots of a small cargo plane had a miraculous escape when the aircraft caught fire while landing on the runway between Old airport and Kamaraj Domestic airport here today.

Airport sources told UNI that the flight owned by a private 'First Flight' courier company was carrying consignments from Bangalore. The accident occurred around 0900 hrs before it could land when the front tyre burst.

Airport Director Mr Dineshkumar told newspersons that the pilot and the co-pilot jumped out and ran for safety.

He said the turbo type aircraft also ran amok on the main runway following the tyre burst and in the impact, the nose of the aircraft caught fire as it hit the ground before coming to a screaching halt.

He said the AAI authorities declared an emergency and closed the airport for about 94 minutes from 0900 hrs to 1034 hrs.

The incoming and outgoing flights were cancelled, he added.

"Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to put out the fire. The loss due to the accident was not yet ascertained," he added.

UNI