Indonesian aerobatics aircraft collide and crash during training (VIDEO, PHOTOS)
Two aerobatics aircraft have crashed in Malaysia after they grazed each other during practice. One of the vehicles collided with two neighboring houses and set them on fire.
Two KT-1 B aircraft with the Indonesian Jupiter aerobatics team were preparing for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) 2015 exhibition, when they collided, say local media reports from the scene.
The two planes were a part of the formation of six aircraft belonging to the Indonesian Air Force. The first aircraft fell within the perimeter of the Langkawi International Airport, while the second hit near a neighbouring village. At least two houses caught fire following the incident but no deaths or injuries were reported.
The training maneuvers were immediately halted and Combat Search and Rescue helicopters of the Royal Malaysian Air Force were dispatched at the scene.
There were four pilots aboard the two aircraft, according to local media reports.
BREAKING Impressive photo from Oliver Santa of the pilots ejected http://t.co/SDDUJMVuebpic.twitter.com/vH2tGiuKbV
— Air News&Services (@airlivenet) March 15, 2015
Pilots of both planes managed to eject from the vehicles and were located by Fire and Rescue Services Department staff and sent to the Langkawi Hospital, according to eyewitnesses’ reports.
“Two in mid-air collision from Jupiter Aerobatic Team. Both pilots ejected. Hopefully no injuries on ground,” an eyewitness, Markus Chong posted on Facebook.
“I was having lunch, when suddenly saw the two planes colliding at the tail end, emitting smoke, before they crashed…One of the pilots managed to bail out with a parachute, “another eyewitness, Husin Ahmad, told local Bernama TV.
@JupiterAT Nos 5 & 6 @LIMAExhibitions yesterday. Both aircraft lost today following collision. Reports both crew OK pic.twitter.com/gchZai3Ufh
— Nigel Pittaway (@NigelPittaway1) March 15, 2015
PLAAF August 1st aerobatics team at LIMA 2015 http://t.co/UQvj14k1NQpic.twitter.com/HOXxqK2xVd
— Alert 5 (@alert5) March 15, 2015
"Thankful that all 4 pilots are safe, their spirits remain high," Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein tweeted after visiting the pilots in the hospital.
The LIMA exhibition is a biannual event which takes place in the Langkawi archipelago of Malaysia. One of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region, the event is mainly focused on the defense industry.
Malaysia fire service Mi17 scrambling @LIMAExhibitionspic.twitter.com/JFIp2k26JM
— Alert 5 (@alert5) March 15, 2015
BREAKING PHOTOS Pilots ejected after their aircrafts collide during training #LIMA15 AirShow http://t.co/4bsAvfqgZwpic.twitter.com/Jac2KXbHfC
— Air News&Services (@airlivenet) March 15, 2015
