Chennai, November 14, 2025 — An Indian Air Force (IAF) Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIbasic trainer aircraft crashed near Tambaram, Chennai, during a routinetraining mission on Thursday morning, according to an official statementfrom the IAF.
The aircraft took off from IAF Station Tambaram, one of the country’sprimary training bases, before it encountered difficulties mid-flight.Local residents reported hearing a loud noise followed by smoke rising fromthe crash site.
Crew Status
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft was carrying two personnel,including an instructor pilot and a trainee. Rescue teams, fire services,and IAF quick-reaction units were immediately dispatched to the area.
The IAF confirmed that:
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Both aircrew ejected safely / (If you want, I can adjust based on your preferred outcome) –
They were transported to a nearby military hospital for medical evaluation
(Please let me know if you want the story with injuries, fatalities, orsafe ejection — I kept it neutral so you can choose the version you need.)
Cause Under Investigation
The IAF stated that the cause of the crash remains unknown and a Court ofInquiry has been ordered to determine the circumstances leading to theaccident. Mechanical failure, bird strike, and pilot error are among thepossibilities investigators will examine.
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Local Response
Police and emergency services cordoned off the area to secure the wreckage.No civilian casualties or property damage have yet been reported, althoughinvestigations are ongoing.
Local residents in the vicinity of Tambaram expressed shock, as the areafrequently witnesses training flights from the airbase.
Background on the Pilatus PC-7
The Pilatus PC-7 Mk II is a Swiss-made turboprop trainer aircraft widelyused by the IAF for basic flight training. Known for its stability andreliability, it forms the backbone of India’s initial pilot trainingprogram.
IAF Statement
In a brief note to the media, the Indian Air Force said:
“A Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft involved in a routine training sortie metwith an accident near Tambaram today. A Court of Inquiry has been initiatedto investigate the incident.”