IAF''s fighter plane crashes in Rajasthan; helicopter topples over while landing
Ajay Banerjee and Yash Goyal
Tribune News Service
New Delhi/ Jaipur, March 15
Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter plane crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer district while on its routine training round, while its helicopter toppled as the pilots were attempting an emergency landing following a technical snag on Wednesday.
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IAF's Chetak helicopter was on routine training sortie from Bamrauli, Allahabad, when it developed a technical failure. “The copter toppled over while pilots tried to land in an uneven field,” the IAF spokesperson said.
Both pilots are safe.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.
The Chetak is based on the 1950s’ design French helicopter. The IAF needs new helicopters. In February, Former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had put the need of the three services at some 800 copters over the next decade.
Sukhoi crash injures three
Indian Air Force's Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter plane crashed into a field near Shivkar village, some 10 km from Barmer’s Sadar police station, injuring three villagers.
Defense PRO Lt Col Manish Ojha said both pilots had ejected safely. The Air Force has ordered a court of inquiry into the incident
"Villagers told us that the pilot ejected shortly before the crash. Air Force officials have been informed about the incident," Additional SP Rameshwar Lal said, adding that the crash had caused some damage to a hamlet.
Naranaram, 60, his wife Dallu, 58, and son Hanuman, 40, were taken to the Barmer District Hospital.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje reacted in a tweet saying: "News of Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft crash in Barmer is extremely unfortunate.Prayers for speedy recovery of injured. Glad the pilots are safe".
News of Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft crash in Barmer is extremely unfortunate.Prayers for speedy recovery of injured. Glad the pilots are safe.
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP)
— With agencies
