A helicopter participating in practice for an aerobatic display show for the upcoming international airshow in Bangalore crashed at Yelahanka airbase in Bangalore, killing an Indian Air Force pilot and seriously injuring another.

Co-pilot Squadron Leader Priye Sharma (32) died when the Dhruv advanced light helicopter crashed near a runway.

The pilot, Wing Commander V Jetely, sustained head injuries and was rushed to hospital, where he is under observation for 72 hours. He is in a stable condition, an IAF official told PTI.

Sharma, who was married, hailed from Patna. Both pilots were part of the IAF's Sarang earobatic team that flies Dhruv helicopters.

The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry into the crash.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-built helicopter was on a sortie as part of practice for Aero India 2007 show that begins in Bangalore next week.

The Yelahanka air force station is the hub for the megashow that has attracted global defence and aerospace giants.

The Sarang team was formed in 2004 for demonstrating the agility and manoeuvrability of Dhruvs.