An Indian Air Force (IAF) group captain was killed in an accident where a MiG-21 Bison aircraft crashed this morning, the force said in a statement. The accident occurred as the aircraft was taking off for a combat training mission. The IAF statement did not disclose the location of the airbase but sources said it was somewhere in the central region of the country.
“The IAF expresses deep condolences and stands firmly with the family members. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident,” the statement said.
A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.
Group Captain A Gupta lost his life in the tragic accident.
This is the second incident two months after a MiG-21 fighter jet of the IAF had crashed near Suratgarh in Rajasthan during a training sortie due to a technical malfunction. The pilot in that accident had managed to eject safely.
The IAF has lost 27 aircraft, including 15 fighter jets and helicopters, in crashes since 2016, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik had said in Parliament in 2019.
In the 2016-17, six IAF fighter jets, two helicopters, one transport aircraft and one trainer had crashed.
In 2017-18, the air force lost two fighter jets and one trainer aircraft in crashes.
The number rose sharply in 2018-19, with the IAF losing seven fighter jets, two helicopters and two trainers.
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