By Zubair
Lahore
A Mushshak training aircraft operated by Pakistan Army Aviation crashed Monday near Nawan Killi on the outskirts of Quetta, Balochistan, killing both crew members aboard, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed in an official statement.
The ISPR identified the two pilots as Instructor Pilot Major Husnain Shehzad Humayun and Student Pilot Captain Abdul Samad. Both officers embraced martyrdom in the crash, which occurred due to a technical fault during what was described as a routine training sortie.
Crash Due to Technical Fault
According to the ISPR statement, the aircraft went down during the training flight as a result of a technical malfunction. No further specifics regarding the nature of the fault were immediately disclosed. Rescue and investigation teams were dispatched to the crash site in Nawan Killi shortly after the incident was reported.
The Mushshak is a light single-engine training aircraft used extensively by the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps for initial pilot training. It is manufactured under licence by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra.
Presidential and Prime Ministerial Condolences
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both issued separate official statements extending condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred pilots. The President conveyed his deepest sympathies and prayed for the highest ranks for the fallen officers. The Prime Minister lauded the devotion and professionalism of Pakistan Army Aviation personnel.
Army Aviation plays a critical support role in Pakistan's counterterrorism and disaster relief operations across difficult terrain in Balochistan and the tribal belt. Monday's crash comes on a day already marked by grave security and political developments across the country.
Pakistan has lost several military aircraft in non-combat training and operational sorties over the past several years, with each incident prompting technical reviews of fleet maintenance and flight safety protocols.
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