NASHIK, Maharashtra: A Sukhoi fighter plane belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Nashik district on Tuesday, authorities confirmed. The pilot and co-pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and are reported to have sustained minor injuries.
Incident Details
The aircraft, identified as a Sukhoi fighter jet, crashed in a field near Shirasgaon village, as reported by Special Inspector General of Nashik Range, D R Karale. The crash occurred during the afternoon hours, around 1:20 pm local time.
Safe Ejection
The fighter jet was piloted by Wing Commander Bokil and his second in command Biswas at the time of the incident. Both pilots managed to eject safely from the aircraft before it crashed into a farm in Shirasgaon village, located in the Nifad tehsil.
Minor Injuries
Following the ejection, both pilots sustained minor injuries and were promptly transported to the HAL hospital for medical attention. Despite the crash, no casualties were reported among the pilots or on the ground.
Response Efforts
After the crash, the aircraft caught fire, but the flames were successfully extinguished. However, parts of the plane are scattered across a 500-meter radius in the vicinity of the crash site.
Teams from the Indian Air Force, HAL security, and HAL technical unit swiftly responded to the incident, conducting assessments and initiating necessary measures at the crash site.
The safe ejection of the pilot and co-pilot from the Sukhoi fighter jet averted a potential tragedy. Prompt response efforts from relevant authorities ensured that the situation was swiftly brought under control, minimizing the risk of further damage or harm. Investigations into the cause of the crash are likely to follow, as authorities work to determine the factors leading to the incident.
