According to local authorities, a trainer aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in the Medak district of Telangana on Monday morning. The tragic incident occurred in the district’s Toopran mandal, killing both a trainer and a trainee pilot aboard the aircraft.
The Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, expressed deep sorrow over the crash, mourning the loss of the two pilots. “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,” Singh stated.
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. https://t.co/K9RljlGu0i
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 4, 2023
The aircraft, identified as a Pilatus PC 7 Mk II trainer, departed from the Air Force Academy (AFA) located in Dundigal, near Hyderabad, according to a senior police official.
In an official statement, the IAF confirmed the accident during a routine training sortie and regretfully announced the fatalities of both pilots. The statement read, “It is with deep regret that the IAF confirms that both pilots on board have sustained fatal injuries. No damage to civil life or property has been reported. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
Authorities and the IAF are initiating a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances leading to the crash. The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting an inquiry into the cause of the unfortunate accident.
