Today morning around 1150 hrs, two Hawk aircraft of Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team crashed close to Yelahanka Air Force base. These aircraft were carrying out practice for the forthcoming Aero India 2019 air show. Out of the three aircrew of the aircraft, WgCdr VT Shelke and SqnLdr TJ Singh ejected. However, Wg Cdr Sahil Gandhi sustained fatal injuries. The two aircrew have been airlifted toAir Force Command Hospital, Bengaluru. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident. The Aero India’s Surya Kiran aerobatic team collided mid-air at Yelahanka in Bengaluru, killing one pilot out of three. Other two have sustained injuries in the incident. The deceased pilot is identified as Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi. The other two pilots are Wing Commander Vijay Shelke and Squadron leader Tejeshwar Singh. The two jets spiralled out of control mid-air when they were practising spins. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who is in Bengaluru, is rushing to the spot. Senior police officers and fire rescue officials have reached the crash site, which has been cordoned off. Aero India will be held in Bengaluru from February 20 to 24.
