Pilot falls to his death from helicopter during air show

RESCUERS yesterday discovered the body of a pilot who fell to his death without a parachute from an army helicopter during a regiment open day demonstration in Belgium.

The co-pilot of the Agusta A109 helicopter told authorities that he was looking out of the window to make sure three paratroopers taking part in Sunday’s demonstration had landed safely and avoided nearby power lines.

When he turned back to the pilot, he was no longer in his seat and the helicopter door was open, the prosecutor’s office told broadcaster RTBF. The helicopter’s nose had begun to lurch forward and the co-pilot took command, righted and landed the helicopter before raising the alarm.

It is unclear whether the pilot, who has not been named, jumped or fell by accident during the parachute demonstration near Amay, which is in the French-speaking province of Liège.

The helicopter was flying at more than 1,300m (4,250ft) at the time, Belgian media reported. An investigation into the tragedy was underway yesterday as the pilot’s body was found in the heavily wooded Tihange area after a search lasting more than 24 hours and involving more than 50 soldiers and police who used thermal imaging technology and police dogs.

Earlier this year, a US Navy skydiver died after his parachute failed to open during the New York harbour festival.