One pilot killed, two eject as two Surya Kiran aircraft crash

Our Bureau Updated - February 19, 2019 at 09:03 PM.

The incident occurs a day before the opening of Aero India show

Two aircraft of IAF's aerobatic team Surya Kiran crashed near the Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru a day before the opening of the Aero India show.

A pilot of one of the two Hawk aircraft was killed following a mid-air collision between the two jets on Tuesday while rehearsing for an aerobatic show ahead of Aero India event, which starts on February 20.

Both the Hawk aircraft were part of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic display team.

Two others were also injured in the collision. In a statement, Indian Air Force said while the two pilots ejected and were evacuated to the Command Hospital, the third pilot sustained fatal injuries.

Damage to life and property in the vicinity of the crash site is being ascertained. A Court of Inquiry will investigate the cause of the accident. The accident occurred at around 11.15 AM.

Director General of police MN Reddi said both the pilots were recovering in hospital.

This is the second such accident involving Indian Air Force aircraft this month. A Mirage 2000 trainer crashed in Bengaluru on 1 February, killing two pilots.

Published on February 19, 2019 09:24