Italian prototype trainer aicraft M346 has crashed near Dubai during the Air Show 2011 1911111.

The pilot and co-pilot ejected safely, but the co-pilot suffered a fractured leg and both men were taken to Rashid Hospital for treatment and observation. Both are doing well, sources said.

The M346 trainer aicrfat had taken off from Dubai Airport around noon and was headed toward Saudi Arabia when a ‘technical glitch' occurred, sources said. The pilot reportedly lost contact with the control tower and shortly later it crashed off the Deira Palm Island.

It was earlier reported that the plane crashed into the sea near the under construction Deira Palm Island. The exact location has, however, not been confirmed

Dubai Police said the Italian crew were rescued from the sea and taken to Rashid Hospital, one suffering a broken leg and one suffering minor injuries. There were no other reported casualties when the plane hit the water.

The Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master is a military transonic trainer aircraft. It is based on work done by Yakovlev and Aermacchi while working on the Yak-130 as a joint venture.