ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed near Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during a routine training mission, resulting in the martyrdom of both pilots on board. The tragic incident has prompted an official investigation by Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the accident.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft was conducting a routine training sortie when it went down near Mardan. The pilots were identified as Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy, who was undergoing flight training. Both officers embraced martyrdom in the line of duty.
The military’s media wing confirmed that Air Headquarters has constituted a board of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and establish its exact cause. Reports indicate that the aircraft involved was a Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, one of the primary training platforms used by the Pakistan Air Force for pilot instruction and basic flight training.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with the services chiefs and all ranks of the Pakistan Armed Forces, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two officers. The military leadership extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and paid tribute to the pilots’ dedication and service to the nation.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed profound grief over the tragedy. In separate statements, both leaders honored the sacrifices of the fallen officers and conveyed sympathies to their families, praying for the elevation of their ranks and strength for their loved ones during this difficult time.
The accident comes just days after another military aviation tragedy involving a Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter near Muzaffarabad. While military aviation incidents remain relatively rare, each occurrence is subjected to a detailed technical investigation to identify contributing factors and enhance flight safety procedures.
Further details regarding the inquiry and findings are expected to be released once the investigation is completed.
