An Indian Air Force trainer aircraft crashed in Midnapore district in West Bengal shortly after taking off from an air base on Thursday.
Both pilots ejected safely before the crash around 11 a.m., officials said.
The Hawk advanced jet trainer had taken off from the Kalaikunda base and developed a snag soon after, a defence spokesperson said.
The IAF has ordered a Board of Inquiry into the crash.
--IANS
ssp/rn/vm