The Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed the loss of two lives following a Pilatus training aircraft crash in Hyderabad. The unfortunate incident involved a Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft during a routine training sortie from the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The fatal crash claimed the lives of two IAF pilots, an instructor, and a cadet. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed at the time of reporting. Fortunately, there were no reported damages to civilian life or property in the vicinity.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, prompting the IAF to initiate a thorough investigation. A Court of Inquiry will be launched to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic accident.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences, stating, "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."
Visuals from the crash site depict the Pilatus PC 7 Mk II engulfed in flames in an empty stretch of land, with onlookers attempting to recover the bodies of the pilots. The Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer Mk II, manufactured in Switzerland by Pilatus Aircraft, is a tandem-seat training aircraft with basic training functions and low wings.
This unfortunate incident raises concerns as it marks the latest in a series of accidents involving Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer aircraft since 2008, resulting in multiple casualties. In response, the Indian Air Force has decided to cancel the order for 38 Pilatus-made training aircraft and instead opt for the indigenous HAL-HTT 40-trainer aircraft.
As the nation mourns the loss of the two brave pilots, the focus now shifts to the investigation that aims to uncover the cause behind the tragic crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.