A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed near Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday, June 15, 2026, during a routine training flight. Both pilots onboard were martyred, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The aircraft, identified as a Super Mushshak trainer, was on a standard training sortie when the accident occurred. The pilots were Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force (instructor pilot) and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy (trainee officer). They embraced shahadat in the line of duty.
The crash happened in an open area near Katlang Road in Sawaldher. Reports indicate the pilots tried to direct the plane away from populated zones to avoid greater harm. Sadly, two civilians on the ground were injured and taken to Mardan Medical Complex for treatment. No major damage to property was reported.
A board of inquiry has been formed by Air Headquarters to determine the exact cause of the crash. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, along with other service chiefs, expressed deep grief and offered condolences to the bereaved families. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the pilots’ sacrifice.
This tragic incident highlights the risks faced by Pakistan’s brave pilots during training to keep the nation’s defence strong. The armed forces remain committed to safety while honouring the martyrs.
