On 01 March 2011, two IAI Kfirs belonging to the No. 10 Squadron at SLAF Katunayake, collided near Yakkala, Gampaha approximately 19 kilometres (11.8 mi) south-east of SLAF Katunayake, during a formation fight rehearsal.
The incident
The two Kfirs from No. 10 Squadron were conducting final rehearsals for the flypast scheduled for the next day, as part of the SLAF's 60th-anniversary celebrations, with their routine involving a low-flying circuit over the SLAF base at Ratmalana before returning to Katunayake on 01 March 2011, when they collided at 9.30 am (local time). The incident took place roughly 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) off Yakkala.
Both pilots ejected from their aircraft. Squadron Leader Jayakody's parachute deployed successfully, allowing him to land safely in a paddy field. However, Flight Lieutenant Perera's parachute failed to open, and he tragically succumbed to injuries upon impacting a coconut tree.
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