Two airplanes of Indonesia’s Jupiter aerobatics team crashed during a practice session at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) 2015 exhibition

Two aerobatic planes crash at Lima practice session

BY AKIL YUNUS

One of the planes is seen on fire after the collision during a practice run in Langkawi. Photo by Fire and Rescue Services Department

PETALING JAYA: Two airplanes of Indonesia’s Jupiter aerobatics team crashed during a practice session at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) 2015 exhibition on Sunday.

In the 2pm incident, the KAI KT-1B Woongbi planes were said to have grazed each other before crashing. Plumes of smoke were seen in the crash site near the Langkawi International Airport.

One of the pilots is seen on a stretcher after being rescued by firemen following the crash in Langkawi. Photo by Fire and Rescue Services Department

The pilots ejected from the aircraft and were rescued by search teams. There were no reports of casualties.

An eyewitness, Markus Chong, said he saw two pilots ejected before the planes crashed.

“Two in mid-air collision from Jupiter Aerobatic Team. Both pilots ejected. Hopefully no injuries on ground,” he posted on Facebook.

It is learnt that all practices and aerial displays were halted immediately as search and rescue helicopters were deployed to find the missing pilots.