IAF's SU-30 MKI crashes, one pilot dead

A sophisticated Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft on Thursday crashed near here, killing one of the two pilots.

This is the first time that a Sukhoi-30 MKI, a frontline fighter plane, has crashed.

The incident occurred at around 1020 hours near Rajmathai village, about 70 kms from here, when the plane, the squadron of which is based in Pune, was on a routine exercise, Defence PRO Lt. Col N N Joshi said.

According to district officials, one of the two pilots, who were both holding the rank of wing commander, was killed.

The other pilot managed to eject safely from the aircraft, they said.

A court of inquiry has been ordered into the incident, IAF sources said.