ndian president’s convoy helicopter escapes from disaster

NEW DELHI: An accident was averted at the Mumbai airport early Monday morning, after an air plane and a helicopter were cleared for take off and landing at the same time. Reports suggest the helicopter was part of President Prathibha Patil's convoy. Indian Airlines flight IC 866 aircraft was given a clearance by the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) for a take off at the same time as that of the helicopter. The aircraft was already rolling on the runway when the pilot saw the helicopter approaching. A crash was averted after the pilot immediately aborted the take off. Confirming the incident, Indian Airlines officials said, "All the 148 passengers on board the IA flight are safe."