Two IAF pilots die as Mirage 2000 aircraft crashes at HAL airport in Bengaluru

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed on Friday after a Mirage 2000 trainer fighter aircraft on a test sortie crashed at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bengaluru. An enquiry into the incident will be ordered, the defence ministry said.

According to IAF sources, the two pilots, Squadron leader Siddharth Negi and Squadron leader Sameer Abrol, sustained fatal injuries after the aircraft crashed during takeoff this morning, reports The Indian Express.

“Today morning, a Mirage 2000 trainer aircraft on an acceptance sortie after upgrade crashed at HAL airport, Bengaluru. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries. Further details are awaited. An investigation into the cause of the accident is being ordered,” a statement by the defence ministry said.

One of the pilots died after he landed on the wreckage of the aircraft, new agency ANI reported. The second pilot was ejected safely but later succumbed to his injuries.