IAF trainer aircraft crashed in Ravelli Village

Telangana: On Monday morning a pall of gloom descended on Ravelli village in Telangana as an Indian Air Force (IAF) trainer aircraft crashed, killing both pilots onboard. The incident, which occurred around 10:30 AM, sent shockwaves through the community and reignited concerns about safety measures within the IAF.

The aircraft was on a routine training sortie from the Dundigal Air Force Academy when it went down near Ravelli. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by thick smoke billowing into the sky.

IAF tweeted, "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 reported. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident."

Read Also : IndusInd Bank Q1 FY25 results, net profit at 2% YoY

Rescue teams rushed to the scene and battled the flames to reach the wreckage. Unfortunately, both pilots were found dead. Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the IAF. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to determine the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.

Read Also : RBI issues guidelines on higher liquidity coverage ratio for retail deposits

This incident marks the second fatal IAF crash in recent months. In October, a MiG-21 trainer aircraft crashed in Rajasthan, killing the pilot. These repeated accidents have raised questions about the aging fleet of aircraft used by the IAF and the training procedures in place.

The IAF has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased pilots and assured a thorough investigation into the crash. However, the pain of this loss cannot be easily assuaged. Ravelli village mourns the brave men who lost their lives in the line of duty, and the nation stands united with their families in this hour of grief.

Read Also : India assumes the Chair of Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre