An Indian Air Force Hawk Mk-132. (Photo: HAL)
Kolkata: An Indian Air Force Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet trainer aircraft crashed near Kalaikunda Air Force station in West Bengal on Tuesday. However, both pilots ejected safely and sustained no injuries.
The incident occurred around 5pm while the aircraft was returning from a routine training sortie. The plane reportedly went down in an open field near the airbase, causing no damage to civilian property or casualties on the ground.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with a court of inquiry established to determine the exact circumstances. Initial reports suggest a technical malfunction may have been a factor, but official confirmation is awaited.
Visuals from the crash site of HAL/BAE HAWK AJT of IAF. https://t.co/j8yuxopmPp pic.twitter.com/Gv5baOOGCp
— News IADN (@NewsIADN) February 13, 2024
The Hawk Mk-132 is a British-built single-engine jet trainer used by the IAF for pilot training and advanced flying exercises. The Air Force operates a fleet of approximately 130 Hawk trainers, stationed across various bases in the country.
In December 2023, another Air Force trainer, that time a Pilatus PC-7, crashed near 43 kilometres from Hyderabad, which killed its two pilots.
The Air Force has expressed its gratitude for the prompt response of local authorities and villagers who assisted in the rescue operation. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released in the coming days.
