Two Pilots Dead As IAF Trainer Aircraft Crashes In Telangana (Screengrab)
An Indian Air Force (IAF) trainer aircraft crashed in Toopran mandal of the Medak district in Telangana today, December 4. Two Indian Air Force pilots lost their lives in this tragic incident that happened on Monday morning. The IAF has confirmed the crash of the Pilatus PC 7 Mk II trainer aircraft.
A Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft met with an accident today morning during a routine training sortie from AFA, Hyderabad. It is with deep regret that the IAF confirms both pilots onboard the aircraft sustained fatal injuries. No damage to any civil life or property has been…
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 4, 2023
“A Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft met with an accident today morning during a routine training sortie from AFA, Hyderabad. It is with deep regret that the IAF confirms both pilots onboard the aircraft sustained fatal injuries,” wrote the IAF on its X handle on December 4. The Indian Air Force also stated that there are no reports of damage to civil life or property. The IAF also added in its X post that they have launched an investigation to find out the cause of the aircraft crash.
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
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed anguish over the incident. “It is deeply saddening that two pilots have lost their lives. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families,” wrote Rajnath Singh on his X handle. The Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft, on which IAF pilots undergo basic training, is a single-engine aircraft. The aircraft has the capacity to fly at a maximum altitude of 33,000 feet. It also has a horizontal cruise speed of 448 km per hour at sea level. The main purpose of these aircraft is to provide initial training and basic flight training for rookie pilots.
