India, Jan. 21 -- An Indian Air Force (IAF) trainer aircraft crashed into a pond during a routine training flight in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj on Wednesday, leading emergency teams to reach the site near the airport.

Both the pilots have been rescued safely, officials told HT.

Eyewitnesses said the small propeller plane appeared to lose control before diving into the water. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the area as local residents moved in to assist, before National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) divers and fire tenders arrived and secured the scene.

Visuals from the scene showed wreckage of the aircraft scattered across the ground, as groups of onlookers gathered nearby.

The aircraft is yet to be taken out as the operation i...