In yet another incident an Indian Air Force jet trainer plane has crashed in a paddy field at Kudarsahi in Mayurbhanj district. The two pilots ejected themselves out of the aircraft before it crashed and are safe, an official said. The IAF’s advanced jet trainer aircraft crashed after flying for about 50 km from the Kalaikunda Air Base on a routine sortie.

Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik told, "We have got information that one aircraft crashed in a paddy field in a village under Bisoi Police Station area." Asit Panigrahi, Inspector General (DIG), northern range, said, "The accident took place between 1.20 PM and 1.30 PM. There is a logo of the Air Force in the aircraft." The fire on the aircraft has been contained.

Additional District Magistrate Surath Mullick said that the two pilots are being traced to a place about two to three KM away from the accident site. The IAF rescue team has been sent to the crash site to recover the plane wreckage. The timely intervention of the pilots has diverted a disaster. The Airforce has been in the news for plane crashes very often. It has to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of the pilots and avoid the damage of the aircrafts.

The lives of the pilots are valuable, while the damage of the aircraft is a loss to the force as well as to the exchequer. The frequent crashes are raising the eyebrows regarding the safety and the worthiness of the aircraft. The Indian Air Force has to take serious note of the incident and should conduct a responsible inquiry. If the problem is of the aging of the aircraft, corrective measures have to be taken immediately to avoid such incidents in the future.

By Premji