India

IAF’s trainer aircraft crashed in Telangana, two pilots killed

HYDERABAD — A trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Toopran mandal area of Medak district in Telangana on Monday morning.

Two officers on board, a trainer and a trainee pilot died in the crash.

The aircraft took off from Air Force Academy (AFA) at Dundigal near Telangana.

The IAF in a statement said earlier, “One Pilatus PC 7 Mk Il trainer aircraft met with an accident today morning during a routine training sortie from AFA, Hyderabad.”

“It is with deep regret that lAF confirms that both the pilots on board have sustained fatal injuries. No damage to any civil life or property has been reported. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” it added.

The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed anguish over the incident saying, “Anguished by this accident near Hyderabad. It is deeply saddening that two pilots have lost their lives. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families.” — (PTI)