1 pilot dead as 2 IAF aircraft crash in Bengaluru (Second Lead)

Bengaluru, Feb 19 (IANS) An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot died on Tuesday after two Surya Kiran aircraft crashed following a mid-air collision while rehearsing near the Yelahanka airbase here where the 'Aero India 2019' air show begins on Wednesday.Two Hawk aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team of IAF crashed at 11.50 a.m. while practicing for the air show. While two pilots ejected and were taken to a military hospital, a third pilot sustained fatal injuries, an IAF statement said.Damage to life and property near the crash site was being ascertained, the statement added. The crash occurred on the outskirts of the air base in an open field close to a residential area."A court of inquiry will investigate the cause of the accident," IAF said."One IAF pilot has unfortunately lost his life. Two others injured shifted to hospital but are said to be out of danger," Karnataka Director General of Police and chief of Fire and Emergency Services M.N. Reddi tweeted.He said there were no injuries to any civilian. "No major damage to any houses in ISRO colony. Fire Force has completely suppressed the fire," he added.
--IANS bha/mr/soni