VIDEO: 2 IAF pilots dead as Pilatus PC Mk II aircraft crashes in Hyderabad during training sortie

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots onboard a Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft were killed in action on Monday after the aircraft crashed during a routine training sortie from Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad.

The pilots include an instructor and one cadet, IAF officials said, adding that the Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft crashed at 8:55 am.

#WATCH | A Pilatus PC 7 Mk II aircraft met with an accident today morning during a routine training sortie from AFA, Hyderabad. Both pilots onboard the aircraft sustained fatal injuries. No damage to any civil life or property has been reported: Indian Air Force officials https://t.co/EbRlfdILfg pic.twitter.com/Eu65ldloo6

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

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

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…

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 4, 2023

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed anguish over the accident and said, "It is deeply saddening that two pilots have lost their lives. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families."

Anguished by this accident near Hyderabad. It is deeply saddening that two pilots have lost their lives. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. https://t.co/K9RljlGu0i

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 4, 2023

The IAF also said, "no civilian or damage to property has been reported."

With inputs from agencies