Gyrocopter crash pilot’s condition stable

The pilot of a gyrocopter that fell into the sea during the FAI World Air Games in Dubai is in stable condition in hospital, organisers said.

Dutchman Arend van Randen was taken to hospital after the Wednesday afternoon crash at the Skydive Dubai Palm Dropzone.

“He is in hospital and his family is at his side,” the Federation Aeronautique International (FAI) announced on its website on Thursday.

Mr van Randen “is receiving the best medical care” under the direction of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the FAI said.

The games’ higher organising committee was also following up on his care.

“We wish him all the best in his recovery,” the group said.

The federation said it would not elaborate on the crash beyond saying that the aircraft fell into the water “for unknown reasons”.

The General Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the crash.

The World Air Games are conducted under FAI rules and feature the world’s leading air sports competitors, according to its website. The FAI is the world governing body for air sports and certifies aviation and space records.

Ballooning, airships, power flying, gliding, helicopter flight, parachuting, aerobatics and microlight flying are among the activities overseen by the FAI.

The games started in Dubai on December 1 and end on Saturday. They are organised by the Emirates Aerosports Federation under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan.