Two jets of the IAF's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team crashed down after they collided with each other in Bengaluru just a day before the Aero India Show begins in the city.
According to NDTV, two of the three pilots had ejected safely.
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
The incident took place at about 11:50 AM during a rehearsal session at the Yelahanka airbase in north Bengaluru.
A video showed the two jets coming down, possibly while performing a complex manoeuvre.
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
According to ANI, one civilian had been hurt during the accident. The debris is reported to have falled near the ISRO layout. One of the pilots is feared to have perished during the crash.
Aero India 2019 is to be held between February 20 and 24. The Surya Kirans are known for their acrobatic formations and have become a regular highlight of the show.