IAF pilot killed in microlight aircraft crashes in Patiala

A microlight aircraft crashed in the Army cantonment area of Patiala on Monday afternoon, killing an Indian Air Force pilot and injuring an NCC cadet.

According to an IAF spokesperson, a 'Pipistrel Virus SW 80' trainer aircraft crashed soon after taking off from the Patiala Aviation Club airport, killing Group Captain G S Cheema and injuring NCC cadet Vipin Kumar Yadav of Mohindra College, Patiala.

Group Capt. Cheema was on deputation at an NCC unit here, he said adding that he had been imparting training to the cadets of NCC's 3rd Air Squadron at the Air Force station.

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

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, expressed "deep anguish" over the death of the IAF officer in the aircraft crash.

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

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, expressed "deep anguish" over the death of the IAF officer in the aircraft crash.

"Singh mourned the demise of Group Capt. Cheema in the crash and prayed to the almighty to give courage to the bereaved family," a press statement by the state government said.

"He also prayed for the peace for the departed soul," it stated.

The chief minister also wished speedy recovery to the injured NCC cadet, undergoing treatment at the Chandigarh Command Hospital.