Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed on Monday after a trainer aircraft crashed in Telangana.

“One Pilatus PC 7 Mk Il trainer aircraft met with an accident today morning during a routine training sortie from the Air Force academy in Hyderabad. It is with deep regret that the lAF confirms that both the pilots on board have sustained fatal injuries,” a spokesperson for the IAF said.

“A court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the spokesperson said.

The aircraft had taken off from the Air Force academy in Hyderabad for a routine training sortie. An instructor and a trainee pilot were inside the aircraft when it crashed. Visuals from the crash site showed the aircraft ablaze in an empty stretch of land.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh posted on X: “Anguished by this accident near Hyderabad. It is deeply saddening that two pilots have lost their lives. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families.”