SLAF Orders Probe After Bell 212 Emergency Landing

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Air Force has appointed a special board of inquiry to investigate an emergency landing involving a Bell 212 helicopter in the Lunuwila area this (30) evening.

The aircraft, which was engaged in distributing dry and fresh rations to flood-affected communities, made the landing near the Lunuwila Bridge while on a humanitarian mission.

According to official reports, five Air Force personnel, including two pilots, were onboard at the time of the incident. With the assistance of local residents, all injured personnel were promptly evacuated and transferred to Maravila Base Hospital for medical treatment.

Under the directives of Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the investigation aims to determine the cause of the emergency landing and ensure operational safety during ongoing disaster relief efforts.

Despite the setback, Air Force teams continue their critical missions to deliver aid to communities severely impacted by flooding across the island.