PAF Trainer Jet Crashes in Punjab; Pilots Eject Safely
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) K-8 trainer aircraft crashed near Manda Khel in the Mianwali region of Punjab during a routine training mission, officials confirmed.
According to initial reports, both pilots successfully ejected before the aircraft went down, avoiding any loss of life.
Incident details
The aircraft reportedly developed a technical malfunction during a training sortie. Despite the emergency, the pilots managed to steer the jet away from populated areas before safely ejecting.
Local sources said the wreckage landed in a rural area, while no damage to civilian property was reported.
Aircraft background
The K-8 trainer is a joint development between the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Hongdu Aircraft Industry Group. It has been widely used for pilot training in the Pakistan Air Force for several years.
Ongoing investigation
Videos from the crash site circulated on social media shortly after the incident. However, authorities have not yet issued a detailed official statement regarding the cause of the malfunction.
