India plane crash: Two jets collide in deadly air show rehearsal accident

One pilot dead and two others injured

A pilot has been killed after two planes crashed mid-air while rehearsing for an aerobatic show.

Two others were also injured in the collision between the Indian Air Force aircraft in the southern state of Karnataka on Tuesday, a senior police official said.

Director General of police MN Reddi said the pair were recovering in hospital.

He said: “One Indian Air Force pilot has unfortunately lost his life.

“Two others were injured and shifted to hospital, but are said to be out of danger.”

The defence ministry confirmed that two Hawk aircraft of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Display Team had crashed near Yelahanka Air Force Base.

The team was scheduled to perform at Aero India 2019, a five-day air show expected to draw nearly 500 Indian and foreign aviation firms and defence contractors.

It marked the second deadly accident involving Indian Air Force aircraft this month.

A Mirage 2000 trainer crashed in the southern city of Bengaluru on 1 February, killing two pilots.