Bengaluru: In a major incident, two jets of the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team collided in Bengaluru on Tuesday a day before the Aero India show begins.
According to reports, out of three pilots, one of the pilots lost his life. The accident took place at the Yelahanka airbase in north Bengaluru, during a rehearsal session ahead of the mega show.
A video on local television channels showed the two jets coming down, possibly amid a manoeuvre.
#WATCH Two aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team crashed today at Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru, during rehearsal for #AeroIndia2019. One civilian hurt. Both pilots ejected, the debris has fallen near ISRO layout, Yelahanka new town area. #Karnataka@IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/itaLYEXIPi
— NewsMobile (@NewsMobileIndia) February 19, 2019
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A video showed thick, black plumes of smoke rising from the airbase.
#WATCH Two aircraft of the Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team crash at the Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru, during rehearsal for #AeroIndia2019. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/kX0V5O0n6R
— ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019
Arjun Sarup managed this photograph. One aircraft, I believe the lower of the two in formation, has its nose sheared off. Am only reporting what I know and have seen. No speculation on pilots or condition till I hear directly. pic.twitter.com/EJfculjmQO
— Angad Singh (@zone5aviation) February 19, 2019
Aero India 2019 will be held between February 20 and 24. The stunning formations by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) in the Hawk advanced jet trainer, the Sarang team in the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the daring manoeuvres by its Jaguars, Mirages and MiGs are some of the highlights of the aero show.
Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the five-day biennial event.