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INDIA-AVIATION-ARMAMENT-ACCIDENT
Pilot killed as Indian military jets collide in air show rehearsal
BANGALORE, India, Feb 19, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Two Indian Air Force jets
practising for an aerobatic display collided in midair Tuesday killing one of
the pilots, officials said.
Witnesses told how the aircraft spiralled out of control after hitting
each other and crashed near a residential area outside the Yelahanka air base
in the southern city of Bangalore. A huge fireball rose into the sky, they
added. Only one civilian was hurt by flying debris however while two pilots
who parachuted to safety also suffered injuries, officials said.
“One pilot died of fatal injuries and two other pilots ejected out of the
two Hawk advanced jet trainers after they collided midair and crashed,” said
an Indian Air Force statement.
An official investigation was immediately launched.
The two jets were to take part in a display by the Surya Kiran acrobatic
display team on the first day of the Aero India show in Bangalore on
Wednesday.
Tuesday’s accident is the second deadly crash in the region this month.
The Indian Air Force has suffered regular crashes in recent years as it
upgrades its ageing Soviet-era fleet.
Two pilots were killed after their jet crashed near Bangalore on February
1.
India is investing billions of dollars modernising its air force to
compete with China.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1703 hrs