Pakistani F-16 Crashes Near Islamabad, Pilot Dead

An F-16 fighter jet belonging to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) reportedly crashed near Shakarparian, Islamabad around Wednesday noon.

The crash took place when rehearsals for Pakistan Day, celebrated on March 23, were on. Wing Commander Nauman Akram was killed in the crash, Pakistan’s Dawn reported citing PAF.

In late October 2019, he was awarded Sher Afgan Trophy for being the best marksman in the competition.

The cause of the accident is not known. More details are awaited.

The PAF has convened a board of inquiry has been ordered 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.

Earlier in February, a PAF trainer aircraft crashed near Takht Bhai area of Mardan district during a routine flight.