GABORONE, April 27 (Xinhua) -- An army pilot lost his life in a BF5 fighter aircraft crash which occurred on Friday in Gaborone, capital of Botswana, during the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Day Celebration rehearsals, said a statement issued by Botswana Defence Force.

The army spokesperson major Fana Maswabi confirmed the incident but refused to release the names of the deceased until his next of kin have been informed.

"As a matter of urgency, the Commander has directed the appointment of an investigating team to examine the cause of the crash," Maswabi said.

The BDF will continue with its 41st anniversary celebrations on Saturday.