UPDF Captain injured in helicopter crash

May 22, 2014

A UPDF helicopter crash-landed at Abalo-kodi at Atiak sub-county in Amuru district, injuring a UPDF Captain onboard.

By Dennis Ojwee

AMURU - A UPDF helicopter crash-landed at Abalo-kodi at Atiak sub-county in Amuru district Wednesday, injuring a UPDF Captain onboard.

The UPDF fourth division spokesman, Capt. Isaac Oware said Capt. Ketgin Mugisha sustained injuries on his head following the aerial accident.

He said the hurt army man was taken to St. Mary’s hospital Lacor in Gulu where he is receiving treatment.

The incident happened at about 3pm local time (EAT) when the army aircraft was flying from the embattled South Sudan back to Gulu UPDF fourth Division barracks.

On average, a chopper flight from Juba to Gulu in the chopper lasts about an hour.

Capt. Oware that the chopper hit an eagle in mid-air but he did not reveal the aircraft’s flying-at-average height.

The incident occurred between Bia-bia and Atiak.

After the pilot lost control of the machine, the chopper rammed into an electric pole and later crash landed, he reported.

Both the pilot and co-pilot of the ill-fated chopper survived unhurt and were both evacuated to safety in Gulu.

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