Hours after wedding, PIO pilot killed in copter crash

Washington: An Indian-origin pilot was killed in a helicopter crash in Georgia, US, shortly after his wedding, according to local media reports. 

Dave Fiji and the pilot of the Robinson R66 helicopter died when the aircraft crashed near the couple’s wedding venue in Dawsonville on Friday night. His wife, Jesni, survived and is recovering at a hospital in Atlanta. The couple had married earlier that day in a ceremony attended by about 400 guests. 

Jesni remained trapped in the wreckage for nearly six hours before rescue teams reached the crash site. Family members said she suffered cuts and bruises but escaped serious injury. Dave’s father said the family was struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that followed what had been a joyous celebration.

The helicopter was arranged as a special send-off before they travelled to a hotel in downtown Atlanta.

According to family members, Dave had express­ed concerns about poor weather and low visibility before take-off. The helicopter never reached its destination. The National Transpo­rta­tion Safety Board is probing the cause. –Agencies