Bengaluru: Two IAF jets collide mid-air, one pilot dead
What's the story
In a tragic incident, two jets of the Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran aerobatics team collided mid-air over Bengaluru during rehearsals for the Aero India 2019 show that is slated to begin in the city from Wednesday. Two pilots managed to eject safely but sustained injures. The third pilot, however, was killed in the accident. Here are the details.
Twitter Post
PHOTOS: Thick plumes of smoke seen after the collision
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
Details
The planes collided while practising a spin manoeuvre
While rehearsing for the Aero India show, the two Surya Kiran jets were reportedly practising a spin manoeuvre when the tragedy happened. The collision took place in the airspace near the Nitte Meenakshi Engineering College, and police officials say that debris from the collision fell on the ISRO campus in the city. Following the crash, thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the Yelahanka airbase.
Twitter Post
The manoeuvre during which the collision happened
This was the manoeuvre. The upper jet (inverted) was flying with a single pilot. The lower one with both seats occupied. pic.twitter.com/YbMJhOVabc
— Angad Singh (@zone5aviation) February 19, 2019
Aero India 2019
A bit about the Aero India show
Despite the tragic incident, it's highly unlikely that the Aero India 2019 show will be called off, considering the fact that it is slated to be attended by thousands of visitors. The Aero India show is a biennial event that Bengaluru has been hosting since the show began in 1996. The last Aero India show was held in the city in February 2017.
Participation
US Navy assets will also participate for this year's show
Unlike the last show where 72 aircraft had registered, this time, 61 aircraft have registered for the high-octane show. However, for the Aero India 2019 show, a battery of US Navy assets, including F/A-18 Super Hornets and B-52 Stratofortress bombers will be on display - a symbol of the strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.