Singapore - Two pilots and an aircrew specialist emerged unharmed from the crash-landing of a Singapore Air Force helicopter that went down within seconds of takeoff, the Defence Ministry said.

The city-state's entire fleet of Super Puma helicopters has been temporarily grounded as a result of Wednesday's crash, the ministry statement said.

Colonel Darius Lim said the helicopter was departing on a routine training mission. It was hovering just above the ground when it came crashing down at the Sembawang Air Base.

The three airmen were able to walk away.

The Super Pumas entered service in 1985, said The Strait Times. Singapore's aircraft have taken part in search-and-rescue missions overseas.

One Super Puma crash-landed in July 2003 during a training mission in Australia. A crew member suffered a broken leg, and three others escaped unharmed.

The crash was blamed on an engine fire. (dpa)