Pakistan Air Force trainer aircraft crashes; both pilots dead
What's the story
A Pakistan Air Force trainer aircraft crashed near Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday. The crash occurred during a routine training sortie, killing both pilots on board. The deceased were identified as Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy.
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Video shows crash
Pakistan Air Force trainer aircraft crashes near Mardan, two pilots dead.
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Civilians injuries also reported. pic.twitter.com/0fiix15r8C
Investigation underway
Board of inquiry constituted to ascertain cause of accident
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the crash and said that a board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause. Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with other service chiefs, expressed their condolences over this tragic loss. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called it a "tragic crash" and paid tribute to the pilots. He wrote on X, "Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."
Safety issues
Comes days after helicopter crash in Azad Kashmir
This crash comes just days after another aviation accident in Pakistan. On June 10, a Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad due to a technical fault during take-off. All 22 personnel on board were killed in that incident. Security sources told Reuters that the deceased included one colonel, two other major-rank officers and 19 soldiers.