2 Indonesia air force planes collide in mid-air during air show, both pilots safe after ejecting

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Two aeroplanes from Indonesia's Jupiter aerobatics team crashed during a practice session at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) 2015 exhibition on Sunday.

In the incident at 2pm, the KAI KT-1B Woongbi planes, among six aircraft belonging to the Indonesian Air Force, which carried out the practice run, were said to have grazed each other before crashing.

Fire and smoke were seen during the collision over the Langkawi International Airport.

The pilots of both planes landed safely on their parachutes after ejecting from the aircraft. They were located by Fire and Rescue Services Department staff and rushed to the Langkawi Hospital.

The wreckage of the planes were found scattered over a wide forested area at the edge of the airport. One of the planes' seat was found near to a house, and at least two houses caught fire due to the crash.

An eyewitness, Mr Markus Chong, said he saw the two pilots eject before the planes crashed.

"Two in mid-air collision from Jupiter Aerobatic Team. Both pilots ejected. Hopefully no injuries on ground," he posted on Facebook.

It is learnt that all practices and aerial displays were halted immediately as search-and-rescue helicopters were deployed to find the missing pilots.

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