Indian Air Force pilot dies after microlight aircraft crashes in Patiala

A microlight aircraft crashed in Patiala on Monday in the Army cantonment area, killing an Indian Air Force pilot. 

A Pipistrel Virus SW 80 trainer aircraft crashed soon after taking off from the Patiala Aviation Club airport, killing Wing Commander G S Cheema, an official spokesperson said. Two NCC cadets were injured, he said.

Wing Commander Cheema was on deputation at an NCC unit in Patiala, he said.

In the crash of the two-seater aircraft, an NCC cadet too was injured, he said. The injured NCC cadet was identified as Vipin Kumar Yadav of Mohindra College, Patiala, the official said. 

An inquiry has been ordered by the IAF to ascertain the cause of the accident, the spokesperson said.