WEB DESK
A pilot died after two aircraft crashed during a rehearsal for the aero show in Bengaluru today. According to preliminary reports, three pilots ejected from the Surya Kiran aerobatics Hawk aircraft before the planes crashed to the ground. Police sources said one pilot has died of injuries and another civilian is injured. Two pilots are reported to be safe.
The collision took place near the Yelahanka Air Force base at 11.50 AM during the rehearsal for Aero India show starting tomorrow. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is in the city, has rushed to the accident site. More details are awaited.
Two Surya Kiran aircraft crash in Bengaluru on Tuesday pic.twitter.com/2oiHLQuf34
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The pilots, flying the Surya Kiran Hawk, were practicing spin manoeuvres when the accident happened, eye witnesses said. “There were three pilots, one has died, two are safe with injuries,” DGP Fire Services M N Reddi who rushed to the spot said. A civilian was also injured in the mishap, police said.
“I’m aware of it (incident),” Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, but did not elaborate further when asked about the accident.
A video showed thick, black plumes of smoke coming from near the Yelahanka airbase.
The Surya Kiran aerobatic team has been an eye catcher at multiple aero India shows and had recently upgraded to the Hawk from Kiran aircraft.