Hyderabad: Two persons died when a Pilatus PC MK II trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in the hillocks of Ravelli village near Toopran in Medak district on Monday morning. This is said to be the first accident involving the Swiss-origin trainer aircraft.
The deceased have been identified as Squadron Leader Abhimanyu Roy of the Indian Air Force and a Vietnamese national undergoing training as a Flight Cadet from a friendly country. The incident comes days ahead of the passing-out parade of flight cadets at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal.
An official release from the Indian Air Force said, “One Pilatus PC 7 Mk Il trainer aircraft met with an accident today morning during a routine training sortie from AFA, Hyderabad. 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," the release said.
The IAF said a court of inquiry had been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
According to police, at about 8.30 am, morning walkers saw an aircraft rolling over many times and crashing into the hillocks. It caught fire immediately, followed by a thick cloud of smoke. Alerted by locals, police rushed to the spot. A team from the AFA Dundigal rushed to the spot in helicopters.
Medak SP Rohini Priyadarshini told Deccan Chronicle that there were no civilian casualties. A case has been registered at the Toopran police station, and an investigation has begun.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the death 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,” he said on X.
The IAF had procured 75 Pilatus aircraft from Switzerland in 2012, and they were delivered by 2015. The aircraft is capable of undertaking all basic training, including aerobatics, instrument, tactical and night flying. IAF pilots undergo basic training on Pilatus PC-7 Mk II planes and Kiran Mk-1/1A jets. The IAF is now procuring an indigenously developed trainer aircraft, HTT-40.
