A pilot has been killed after two planes crashed mid-air while rehearsing for an aerobatic show.

Two others were also injured in the collision between the Indian Air Force aircraft in the southern state of Karnataka on Tuesday, a senior police official said.

Director General of police MN Reddi said the pair were recovering in hospital.

He said: “One Indian Air Force pilot has unfortunately lost his life.

“Two others were injured and shifted to hospital, but are said to be out of danger.”

Deadly air show rehearsal crash: in pictures Show all 6 1 /6 Deadly air show rehearsal crash: in pictures Deadly air show rehearsal crash: in pictures Indian Air Force personnel gather around the wreckage AFP/Getty Deadly air show rehearsal crash: in pictures An Indian Air Force officer walks past the wreckag AP Deadly air show rehearsal crash: in pictures Indian Air Force personnel gather near the ejected parachute of one of the pilots AFP/Getty Deadly air show rehearsal crash: in pictures Indian Air Force personnel gather around the wreckage AFP/Getty Deadly air show rehearsal crash: in pictures Indian Air Force personnel gather around the wreckage AFP/Getty Deadly air show rehearsal crash: in pictures The Indian Air Force's aerobatic display team 'Surya Kiran' performs during Aero India show at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru in 2017 Reuters

The defence ministry confirmed that two Hawk aircraft of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Display Team had crashed near Yelahanka Air Force Base.

The team was scheduled to perform at Aero India 2019, a five-day air show expected to draw nearly 500 Indian and foreign aviation firms and defence contractors.

It marked the second deadly accident involving Indian Air Force aircraft this month.