Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe has appointed a special seven-member committee to investigate the K-8 jet crash that occurred in the Wariyapola area.
Although initial reports suggested the aircraft took off from the China Bay Airstrip, an official statement from the Air Force has now confirmed that it departed from the Katunayake Air Force Base.
According to the statement, the K-8 jet, used for advanced pilot training under the No. 05 Fighter Squadron at Katunayake, crashed during a training exercise this morning (21) in the Padeniya area of Wariyapola, Kurunegala.
The aircraft was carrying a chief flight instructor and a trainee pilot, both of whom ejected safely and landed in the Minuwangate College premises in Padeniya using parachutes. They have been admitted to the Kurunegala National Hospital for treatment.
The jet took off at approximately 7:27 AM and crashed around 7:55 AM. Following the incident, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe appointed a special investigation committee to conduct a detailed inquiry.
Most likely due to inadequate and proper maintenance from lack of funds ?