Indian Air Force loses Chetak chopper and Sukhoi fighter jet in a day; Pilots safe
March 16, 2017
A Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI) fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) encountered a huge accident and crashed in Rajasthan’s Barmer district today whereas another helicopter Chetak toppled while attempting to land in Allahabad on 15th March 2017.
The Sukhoi fighter jet crashed near Shivkar Kurla village of the district soon after takeoff from Jodhpur air base. It was on a routine sortie. Both the pilots were safe as they managed to escape unhurt from the aircraft. The incident occurred just hours after IAF’s Chetak helicopter overbalanced and crashed.
The Chetak chopper which took off from Allahabad’s Bamrauli air base was also on a routine sortie. Pilots detected a snag and reported it to the ground crew. The helicopter overbalanced and crashed while trying to force land on an uneven field. Both the pilots are reported to be safe.
The IAF had ordered a court of inquiry (COI) to investigate the cause of the accident. According to the report, the Chetak helicopter developed engine failure on a routine sortie. Till now, IAF has lost over 60 aircraft and helicopters in crashes which took the life of over 80 people since 2011.
