Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed today after a trainer aircraft crashed in Telangana's Medak district. The pilots include an instructor and one cadet, officials said.

The aircraft had taken off from Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal in Telangana for a routine training sortie when the accident occurred, Air Force said. A trainer and a trainee pilot were inside the aircraft when it crashed, and both of them have died.

"One Pilatus PC 7 Mk Il trainer aircraft met with an accident today morning during a routine training sortie from AFA, Hyderabad. It is with deep regret that (the) IAF confirms that both the pilots on board have sustained fatal injuries," the IAF said in a statement.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered his condolences on X handle- "Anguished by this accident near Hyderabad. It is deeply saddening that two pilots have lost their lives. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families," he wrote on the microblogging site.

No civilian or damage to property has been reported. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.

BOB Post