Official release:

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

HAWK AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT

New Delhi : April 30, 2008

One hawk trainer aircraft of IAF met with an accident at Air Force Station Bidar on 29 Apr 08 at 1240 hrs while proceeding on a routine mission.

No person was injured or killed as a result of the accident. There was no damage to civil or other property. An enquiry has been ordered to investigate the reasons for the accident.

It appears the aircraft crashed just after take off from Bidar with both crew ejecting, the IAF's first batch of Hawks were delivered earlier this year.