IAF trainer aircraft crashes in Karnataka

New Delhi: A Surya Kiran trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in an open field at a village in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on June 1, 2023. 

However, two pilots on board the aircraft ejected safely before the crash.

The trainer aircraft, which took off from the air force station in Bengaluru crashed this morning at Bhogapura village. 

According to IAF, the pilots were on a routine training sortie when the incident occurred.

"A Kiran trainer aircraft of the IAF crashed near Chamrajnagar, Karnataka today, while on a routine training sortie. Both aircrew ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF tweeted.

Local officer said, the pilots, Tejpal and Bhumika, sustained minor injuries.  

A court of inquiry was ordered to ascertain the cause of accident.

The HAL HJT-16 Kiran is a single-engine two-seat jet trainer aircraft. It is manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), operated by the Indian Air Force.

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