2011 Sri Lanka Kfir mid-air collision

On 1 March 2011, a mid-air collision occurred between two IAI Kfir aircraft from the No. 10 Squadron SLAF based at SLAF Katunayake. The incident took place near Yakkala, Gampaha, roughly southeast of their home base during a formation combat practice.

Accident

The aircraft were engaged in final preparations for a flypast planned for the following day, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Their practice involved a low-altitude circuit over Ratmalana Airport before heading back to Katunayake. At approximately 9:30 am, about off Yakkala, the jets collided.

Both aviators managed to eject. Squadron Leader Jayakody’s parachute deployed correctly, enabling a safe descent into a nearby paddy field. Unfortunately, Flight Lieutenant Monath Perera’s parachute malfunctioned and did not open, leading to fatal injuries when he struck a coconut tree.