Indian Air Force plane crashes, two pilots killed

HYDERABAD: Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed when their trainer aircraft crashed at Hakimpet Air Force Academy on the outskirts of Hyderabad early on Tuesday.

Hyderabad police said the small aircraft crashed in the academy premises and both the trainer and trainee pilot were killed. They have been identified as Squadron Leader Bhagat and trainee pilot SC Pathi, both residents of Lucknow.

The Kiran aircraft caught fire soon after the crash and was completely gutted. The bodies were charred beyond recognition.

Police officials said there were no other casualties on the ground as the plane crashed in an open area. Senior officials of the Air Force Academy visited the scene of the crash and have ordered a probe into the accident.