Representative image of Pilatus PC 7 Mk Il trainer aircraft.
Credit: Facebook/Indian Air Force
New Delhi: Two Indian Air Force pilots, a cadet and an instructor, were killed on Monday when the Pilatus PC-7 aircraft they were flying crashed near the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.
“One Pilatus PC 7 Mk II trainer aircraft met with an accident today morning during a routine training sortie from Air Force Academy. 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,” said an IAF spokesperson.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed anguish over the accident.
In a post on X, he said, 'It is deeply saddening that two pilots have lost their lives. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families.' According to police, the incident took place in the Toopran mandal of the district. The aircraft carried a trainer and a trainee pilot at the time of the crash.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
This is the first accident involving the Swiss-origin aircraft that the IAF uses for basic flight training.
A decade ago, India purchased 75 Pilatus PC-7 basic trainer aircraft at a cost of Rs 2,900 crore to make up for a shortfall in having basic trainer aircraft for the rookie pilots.