2 jets from India’s Air Force aerobatics team collide mid-air (VIDEO)
One pilot died after two aircraft from the Indian Air Force (INF) aerobatics team, known as Surya Kiran (Rays of the Sun), crashed while rehearsing for Aero India Show 2019.
There were three pilots in total on both jets – one died while the two others ejected safely, local media reported, citing officials.
Footage from the scene shows the planes falling from the sky, with one plane spinning as it descends. In another video, both surviving pilots were seen parachuting out of their aircraft.
Surya Kiran crash video. They are just falling like paper planes. pic.twitter.com/bXCIXJNaRp
— Nagarjun Dwarakanath (@nagarjund) February 19, 2019
This crowd sourced video shows the entire sequence of the Surya Kiran crash.One pilot confirmed dead, two others are injured after the mid air collision. https://t.co/HOTdO9U2F4pic.twitter.com/I026KdJVW8
— Manu (@manupubby_ET) February 19, 2019
Locals captured the moment an injured pilot was being treated shortly after reaching the ground. His face was covered in blood, and he was conscious when he was placed on the stretcher. A helmet and parachute are also seen hanging on what appear to be telephone lines.
Surya Kiran crash at @AeroIndiashow pilots ejected safely but injured. Two civilians injured too. pic.twitter.com/RYoOku4GWO
— Nagarjun Dwarakanath (@nagarjund) February 19, 2019
The ill-fated aircraft crashed near Yelahanka base, near the country’s southern city of Bangalore. The pilots were reportedly honing their skills for the 12th edition of the Aero India Show – due to take place February 20-24.
Details on how exactly the crash happened are not yet known.
Two suryakiran aircraft have just collided. I see smoke and saw two chutes. No word on anything more at the moment. pic.twitter.com/WZwHp1Tyyp
— Angad Singh (@zone5aviation) February 19, 2019
#AeroIndia2019 Two Suryakiran aircrafts crashed during practice, ahead of Aero-India show. Pilots are safe. pic.twitter.com/15SOwCG6Rs
— snehanshu shekhar (@snehanshus) 19. Februar 2019
Photographer Arjun Sarup gets this terrifying shot of one of the @Suryakiran_IAF jets after the collision. Nose clean off. (follow @zone5aviation who is on the ground reporting on this right now) pic.twitter.com/hiEgUkjJUI
— Livefist (@livefist) February 19, 2019
The Surya Kiran aerobatics team was formed in 1996 and was part of a number of demonstration flights. The team was re-established two years ago, after being suspended in 2011. For its air stunts, the team has used HJT-16 Kiran Mk. II training aircraft, as well as Hawk Mk-132 jets.
The Aero India Show is an aerospace exhibition that takes place every two years. Apart from business deals, it also features shows and stunts by various aerobatic teams.
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