Pilot dies after two jets collide while rehearsing for air show in India

A pilot has died after two planes collided in mid-air while rehearsing for an aerobics show in India.

The two Indian Air Force jets crashed while flying in the southern state of Karnataka on Tuesday.

One pilot was killed in the tragedy while another two have been taken to hospital after the collision near the Yelahanka air force base.

Video showed the two planes plummeting towards the ground before making impact, while a plume of flames and smoke seen coming from the wreckage in the aftermath.

"One Indian Air Force pilot has unfortunately lost his life. Two others were injured and shifted to hospital, but are said to be out of danger," said M.N. Reddi, director general of police in Karnataka.

The defence ministry confirmed two Hawk aircraft of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Display Team had crashed.

The aerobatic team had been scheduled to perform at Aero India 2019.

The event is a five-day airshow expected to draw nearly 500 Indian and foreign aviation firms and defence contractors and begins on Wednesday.

The incident marks the second deadly accident involving Indian Air Force aircraft this month after a Mirage 2000 trainer crashed in the southern city of Bengaluru on February 1, killing two pilots.