Air Force pilot killed as trainer aircraft crashes in Punjab

An Indian Air Force officer was killed and a National Cadet Corps cadet injured when the single-engine, two-seater plane used to teach flying to NCC members crashed in Punjab's Patiala city. The deceased has been identified as Wing Commander GS Cheema.

Patiala (Punjab): A microlight aircraft crashed on Monday in the Army cantonment area, killing an Indian Air Force pilot and injuring a National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadet.

A Pipistrel Virus SW 80 trainer aircraft crashed soon after taking off from the Patiala Aviation Club airport, killing Wing Commander GS Cheema, an official spokesperson said.

Wing Commander Cheema was on deputation at an NCC unit here, he said.

The injured NCC cadet was identified as Vipin Kumar Yadav of Mohindra College, Patiala, the official said.

An inquiry has been ordered by the IAF to ascertain the cause of the accident, the spokesperson added.

(PTI)