T-129 first prototype crashed

The first flight test prototype of the new turkish attack helicopter T-129 crashed during a test flight in Italy. Both pilots were seriously injured, but thankfully they survived and were taken to a hospital. Appearently, the helicopter lost its tail rotor during flight…

This was the only flying prototype, though 2 more were scheduled for assemply this year. This means that the development timetable might be pushed for a little later. How much later? Nobody knows I guess. It’s the price that goes with opting with something not fully developed rather than off-the-self. If it works out, it will be worth it, but if whatever unexpected happens, everything goes behind.

Links:

http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=73522

http://www.vcoazzurranews.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17163&Itemid=215

http://www.netwelink.it/vcosat/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10059&Itemid=2 (video)