Another K-8 Trainer Jet from China Crashes in Sri Lanka, Sparking Safety Worries
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Synopsis
The recent crash of a K-8 trainer jet in Sri Lanka has raised alarming safety concerns regarding the operational status of similar aircraft. A Special Investigation Committee has been formed to investigate the incident while previous crashes involving K-8 jets highlight ongoing safety issues.
Key Takeaways
- Crash of K-8 jet raises safety concerns.
- Both pilots ejected safely and are hospitalized.
- Investigation committee formed to probe the incident.
- Multiple previous incidents with Chinese-made aircraft.
- Operational status of remaining K-8 jets uncertain.
Colombo, March 22 (NationPress) The recent incident involving the crash of a China-made K-8 trainer jet belonging to the Sri Lankan Air Force in the Wariyapola region has prompted significant concerns regarding the safety and operational capability of the remaining jets currently in use.
The accident occurred during a training operation, with both the Chief Training Instructor Pilot and the trainee pilot managing to eject from the aircraft prior to the crash. They are presently receiving medical care at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, as reported by local media.
In response to the crash, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the Commander of the Sri Lankan Air Force, has formed a seven-member Special Investigation Committee to ascertain the reasons behind the incident.
However, a decision regarding the status of the remaining operational K-8 trainer jets has yet to be made, according to a report from Sri Lanka’s leading newspaper, Daily Mirror.
The Sri Lankan Air Force has faced multiple incidents involving Chinese-manufactured trainer aircraft over the past few years.
On December 15, 2020, a PT-6 aircraft launched from China Bay Airport in Trincomalee crashed near Kantale, leading to the death of the trainee pilot. Moreover, on August 7, 2023, another PT-6 crashed shortly after taking off from the Trincomalee Air Force station, resulting in the fatalities of both the pilot and the flight engineer.
The single-engine Karakorum-8 (K-8) jet trainer is utilized by various military forces, including those of China, Egypt, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka.
In September 2018, a K-8 from the Sudanese military crashed near Omdurman, claiming the lives of both pilots on board. The aircraft was engaged in a training mission when it experienced a sudden technical failure.
Another crash was reported in Bolivia’s Cochabamba, where a K-8 training plane belonging to the Bolivian Air Force went down in a residential area in Sacaba in March 2021.
In January 2025, a Pakistan Air Force PK-8 Mushshak crashed at the Pakistan Air Force Academy in Risalpur due to a technical malfunction, resulting in the pilot’s death.
A K-8 from the Zimbabwean Air Force also crashed in Gweru on February 6 this year, leading to the loss of the sole pilot aboard.
