Pilot dies as PAF fighter jet crashes in Khyber Agency

Published September 24, 2016
Flight Lieutenant Umar Shahzad was flying F-7PG when the aircraft encountered a technical fault and crashed. —Photo courtesy Facebook
Flight Lieutenant Umar Shahzad was flying F-7PG when the aircraft encountered a technical fault and crashed. —Photo courtesy Facebook

PESHAWAR: A flight lieutenant of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) died in an air crash in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency on Saturday.

Flight Lieutenant Omer Shahzad was flying F-7PG when the aircraft encountered a technical fault and crashed, said a statement issued by the PAF.

An investigation into the crash has been launched by the air force.

F/L Omer Shehzad was awarded "Sword of Honour" during training. —Photo courtesy Facebook
F/L Omer Shehzad was awarded "Sword of Honour" during training. —Photo courtesy Facebook

During his training, Shehzad was awarded "Sword of Honour" in upon best performance at PAF Academy Risalpur.

In November last year, a double-seat version of F-7PG, also known as the FT-7PGs, crashed near Kundian, Mianwali in which female fighter pilot Marium Muktiar died. The incident took place during a training mission.

Marium is the PAF’s first woman pilot to die while on duty.

F-7PGs were first inducted in the PAF in 2002 as a replacement for F-6, which were then de-commissioned. The trainer FT-7PGs came later.

The PAF had previously operated F-7Ps.

About seven or eight F-7PGs/FT-7PGs have been lost during the 13 years in service. The PAF has more than 50 of the Chinese-made aircraft in its fleet.

The losses of F-7PGs/FT-7PGs in air crashes are within limit, aviation experts say.

Opinion

Editorial

Mineral wealth
Updated 10 Apr, 2025

Mineral wealth

The Baloch unrest is partly the result of the belief that the province’s resources are being used for the rest of the country rather than for Balochistan’s economic development.
Senate shortfalls
10 Apr, 2025

Senate shortfalls

THE latest Citizens’ Report by Pildat on the performance of the Senate of Pakistan is a sobering account of...
Crypto coup
10 Apr, 2025

Crypto coup

IT is quite the coup. One of the most recognisable names in the global cryptocurrency market has been roped in by ...
Following through
Updated 09 Apr, 2025

Following through

Reconciliation, development, and deradicalisation initiatives cannot remain dormant words in a policy document.
Robe rebellion
09 Apr, 2025

Robe rebellion

THE unrest within the Islamabad High Court shows no sign of abating, and it is perhaps just as well that the ...
Fearing birth
09 Apr, 2025

Fearing birth

AMID dramatic aid cuts, the WHO has sounded the alarm about the dangers to Pakistan’s mothers and newborns, asking...