ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilot died on Wednesday after the aircraft crashed in a remote area of Balochistan, a PAF spokesman said.
The F-7PG training aircraft was on a routine operational training mission when it suffered the mishap near the Mastung district of the southern province.
“The pilot of the aircraft embraced shahadat [martyrdom] in the tragic accident,” a brief statement issued by the PAF read.
The cause of the accident was not immediately clear. However, PAF said that an investigation has been ordered to probe the incident. “A board of inquiry has been ordered by the Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the accident,” the statement added.
The F-7PG is a single-engine, lightweight fighter aircraft which was inducted into the PAF in 2002 as a replacement for the F-6 which was later decommissioned. The PAF uses the F-7PG for routine operational training missions.
According to reports, the PAF has lost at least 13 F-7PGs or trainer aircraft FT-7PGs in the 17 years since the induction. However, aviation experts consider this within the normal limit.
No loss of civilian life and property has been reported on ground after the crash thus far.
Pilot killed in PAF plane crash in Mastung
Pilot killed in PAF plane crash in Mastung
- Aircraft was on a routine operational training mission
- Committee to probe cause of the accident
