Indian Air Force Dhruv helicopters perform aerobatic manoeuvres at a rehearsal ahead of the Aero India 2019. Photo: AP
Source:
https://scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/2186793/pilot-dies-after-india-air-force-planes-collide-during-air-show South Asia
Pilot dies after India Air Force planes collide during air show rehearsal
- Two Hawk aircraft of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Display Team had crashed near the Yelahanka Air Force Base in southern India
- The aerobatic team was scheduled to perform at Aero India 2019, a five-day air show expected to draw nearly 500 Indian and foreign aviation firms and defence contractors
A pilot has died after two Indian Air Force planes collided in mid-air during a rehearsal for an aerobatic show in the southern state of Karnataka on Tuesday, a senior police official said.
“One Indian Air Force pilot has unfortunately lost his life. Two others were injured and shifted to hospital, but are said to be out of danger,” said M N Reddi, director general of police in Karnataka.
The defence ministry confirmed that two Hawk aircraft of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Display Team had crashed near the Yelahanka Air Force Base.
The aerobatic team was scheduled to perform at Aero India 2019, a five-day air show expected to draw nearly 500 Indian and foreign aviation firms and defence contractors.
It was the second deadly accident involving Indian Air Force aircraft this month. A Mirage 2000 trainer crashed in the southern city of Bangalore on February 1, killing two pilots.
The Indian Air Force has suffered regular crashes in recent years as it upgrades its ageing Soviet-era fleet.
India is investing billions of dollars modernising its air force to compete with China.
Additional reporting by AFP