Pilot killed in aircraft crash in northern India

NEW DELHI, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- A senior pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF) died after the light aircraft he was flying crashed in India's northern state of Punjab on Monday, an IAF official said.

Two cadets of the National Cadets Corps (NCC) onboard the ill-fated trainer aircraft were injured in the crash.

The Pipistrel Virus SW 80 crashed in the Army cantonment area of the state's Patiala district, shortly after taking off from the Patiala Aviation Club airport, said media reports.

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