Two trainee pilots of the Indian Air Force were killed on Thursday when a Chetak helicopter crashed near Thumukunta village, about 35km from Hyderabad, minutes after take off, police sources said.

Pilot Avinash and co-pilot Narayanan had taken off from the Air Force Station at Dundigal on a routine sortie when the mishap occurred.

The chopper was damaged badly after crashing in a field in neighbouring Ranga Reddy district.

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