The crash of another Chinese-made training aircraft of the Sri Lankan Air Force has raised questions about its safety. The crash of a Chinese-made K-8 training aircraft in the Wariyapola area on Friday has raised serious concerns about the safety and operational readiness of other aircraft in service.
Earlier on December 15, 2020, a PT-6 aircraft of the Sri Lankan Air Force crashed, killing the trainee pilot. On August 7, 2023, the PT-6 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing both the pilot and the flight engineer.
The chief instructor pilot and the trainee pilot ejected from the aircraft before the accident. Both are currently being treated at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital. Sri Lankan Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe has formed a seven-member special investigation committee to investigate the causes of the accident.