Sri Lanka, Dec. 10 -- Flight Lieutenant Eranga Chamara Ekanayake, the co-pilot of the Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter that crashed into the Gin Oya in Lunuwila, Wennappuwa on November 30, told the Marawila Magistrate's Court yesterday (09) that both he and the main pilot detected a technical fault in the aircraft before the crash.

The helicopter, which was engaged in relief operations for flood-affected communities, was piloted by Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, 41, who died in the accident.

Giving testimony, Ekanayake said the aircraft departed from Katunayake Air Force Base around 5 p.m. under orders from the Sri Lanka Air Force to deliver dry rations. While flying over Wennappuwa, people on the Gin Oya bridge and surro...