Crashed chopper developed mechanical fault: Pakistani authorities (Roundup)

Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry on Saturday said the Mi-17 helicopter which crashed on Friday killing two foreign envoys had developed a mechanical snag and that the pilots lost control just moments before landing, media reports said.

The air chief said that the helicopter's behaviour was normal just prior to landing when it suddenly went out of control, Geo News reported.

"Our base commander had eye contact with the helicopter and there was no problem in its behaviour. The helicopter lost control just moments before landing," he said.

Ruling out the possibility of any terrorist activity, Foreign Secretary Chaudhry said the crash happened due to engine failure.

The Mi-17 helicopter crash-landed on a school in Naltar valley near Gilgit Baltistan. It was carrying 17 people -- 11 foreigners and six Pakistanis.

Among the victims were Ambassadors Domingo D. Lucinerio Jr. of the Philippines and Leif Larsen of Norway and the wives of the Malaysian and Indonesian ambassadors and three Pakistanis -- two pilots and one crew member. Dutch Ambassador Marcel de Vink and Polish Ambassador Andrzej Ananicz were injured in the incident.

According to Aman, an investigation has been started and there would be a detailed analysis of the crash.

He added that the pilots flying the helicopter were "proficient and excellent" and had made several flights in that area.

The Pakistan Army also said the crashed helicopter was fully airworthy. "The crash occurred after 11 hours of flying following regular servicing," Dawn online quoted a military official as saying.

Meanwhile, the bodies of some of the crash victims were brought to Rawalpindi's Nur Khan airbase on Saturday. Among those present there were Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman and Chief of Pakistan Navy Admiral Zakaullah.

The coffins, draped in national flags and bedecked with wreaths, were received by army personnel with a guard of honour.

Funeral prayers were offered for pilots Major Faisal and Major Altamash and crew member Subedar Zakir.

Preparations were also being made to send the bodies of the ambassadors of Philippines and Norway, and the wives of the Malaysian and Indonesian ambassadors to their respective countries.