Pakistan Air Force trainer aircraft crashes in Mardan, two pilots killed
A Pakistan Air Force trainer aircraft has crashed near Mardan during a routine training flight, killing both pilots on board. Authorities say a board of inquiry has been formed to determine the cause of the accident, which comes days after another military aviation crash in Pakistan.
PAKISTAN: A Pakistan Air Force trainer aircraft crashed near the city of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday (15 June 2026) during a routine training flight, the military said.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft was on a standard training sortie when it went down under unclear circumstances.
Two pilots killed in crash
The military confirmed that both personnel on board were killed in the incident.
According to Pakistani English-language newspaper Dawn, the pilots have been identified as Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy.
ISPR said both “embraced martyrdom” in the crash.
Investigation launched into cause
A board of inquiry has been set up by Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the accident.
Senior military leadership, including the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also conveyed condolences, paying tribute to the pilots and offering prayers for their families.
Comes days after previous crash
The incident comes just days after another Pakistan military aviation crash involving an Mi-17 helicopter near Muzaffarabad, which also resulted in no survivors.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing into both incidents.
