The Bell 212 helicopter that crashed into the Maduru Oya reservoir did so within 30 seconds of takeoff, according to its pilot, Flight Lieutenant Paulen Jayawardena. Testifying before the Dehiattakandiya Magistrate’s Court, Jayawardena said the aircraft lost control shortly after departing from the Maduru Oya Army Special Forces camp during a demonstration flight.
The Bell 212 helicopter that crashed into the Maduru Oya reservoir did so within 30 seconds of takeoff, according to its pilot, Flight Lieutenant Paulen Jayawardena. Testifying before the Dehiattakandiya Magistrate’s Court, Jayawardena said the aircraft lost control shortly after departing from the Maduru Oya Army Special Forces camp during a demonstration flight.
The chief pilot made this statement during an inquest into the crash, which claimed the lives of six personnel—two from the Sri Lanka Air Force and four from the Army Special Forces. The proceedings were recalled before Dehiattakandiya Magistrate Priyantha Halyala.
Flight Lieutenant Jayawardena further testified that he does not believe the crash was due to pilot error. He indicated a possible technical fault may have been responsible, although the exact cause of the accident has not yet been determined.
Magistrate Halyala has scheduled the case to be recalled on August 21, when the official cause of death for the six victims will be announced. The Dehiattakandiya Police have also been ordered to submit an updated progress report on the ongoing investigation on the same date.
