An F-16A MLU of the Pakistan Air Force, 38 Wing, 9 Sqn “Griffins”, crashed near Shakarparian, Islamabad, during rehearsals for the March 23 parade. The pilot, wing commander Nouman Akram, didn’t survive.
In a statement, the PAF said the aircraft was carrying out rehearsals for the 23 March national day parade. There were no casualties on the ground or damage to property.
“Pakistan Air Force reports with regret that a PAF F-16 aircraft crashed near Shakarparian, Islamabad during the rehearsals of 23 March parade,” the air force said in its statement.
It added that “a board of inquiry has been ordered by Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the incident”.
Footage on social media showed a large plume of smoke billowing into the sky after the plane plummeted to the ground, having apparently attempted a loop.
Footage of F-16 crash today in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/9avtyqdOhz
— Azhar Leghari (@AzharLaghari_) March 11, 2020
PAF F-16 crash at Islamabad today believed to be due to bird strike. Aircraft was flown by OC No. 9 San. pic.twitter.com/ki72jwHhNb
— Usman (@usman_cph) March 11, 2020
The PAF spokesperson has also confirmed the identity of the pilot: Wing Commander Nauman Akram, OC 9 Squadron.
Wing commander Nauman is the winner of the Sher Afghan trophy 2019. He was one of the finest F-16 pilot PAF had. He was considered the best pilot in the PAF and had recently flown Gen. Bajwa in an F-16.
PAF F_16 jet has been crashed in Islamabad, Shakarparian during rehearsal for 23 March celebrations,This is very sad moment for Pakistani Nation.Wing commander Noman Akram's was the winner of Sher Afghan's trophy for best marksman last year.😢#planecrash #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/nU4pbTh3gV
— RوB!!🌸 (@RubiRajput13) March 11, 2020
