File photo used for representation

HYDERABAD: Rashi Raina , one of IAF 's six women fighter pilots, sustained minor injuries when a trainee aircraft Kiran crashed near Hyderabad on Friday.

The team of IAF officials rushed to the spot and are verifying the cause of the incident.

According to police commissioner V Shiva Kumar, "The lone women pilot survived as she ejected herself before the crash. Rashi suffered a leg injury and received first aid at the Siddipet local hospital and was later moved to Hakimpet for further treatment. There were no casualties in the incident.”

"The aircraft crashed on an open land a few metres away from the highway. Some passersby and our constables immediately attended to the women pilot following the mishap,” Shiva Kumar added.

The ministry of defence released a statement saying that a Court of Inquiry (CoI) has been ordered to investigate the cause.

According to experts, frequent air crashes are being reported as the Indian Air Force is still using the ageing HJT-16 Kiran aircraft fleet to train its fighter pilots. In fact, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has recommended phasing out these jets.

In 2014, the CAG pulled up Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for a 14-year delay in inducting Intermediate Jet Trainers and even after three years of the CAG report, the prototype of HJT-36 Sitara is yet to be inducted as it failed the crucial spin test.



In Video: IAF Kiran crashes near Hyderabad, woman pilot Rashi Raina safe