IAF Su-30MKI on training mission crashes in Assam’s Karbi Anglong; two pilots killed

A Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet, which was on a routine training mission, crashed in Karbi Anglong district of Assam on March 5, killing two pilots, officials said.

The IAF confirmed the deaths of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The force expressed condolences to the families of the officers.

“The IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief,” the Air Force said in a statement.
 

The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat at around 6.45 p.m. and lost radar contact with ground control at about 7.42 p.m., following which search and rescue operations were launched in the area.

Local residents reported hearing a loud noise and an explosion shortly after the aircraft went down. Villagers were seen assisting in the search operations, using torches and lights to help locate the crash site.

Police personnel along with Air Force Police teams reached the area soon after the incident, and search operations were carried out at the crash site.

Earlier, the Air Force had said the aircraft was reported overdue after losing radar contact during the training sortie. Further details are being ascertained, the force said.

The Su-30MKI is a twin-seat multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi and forms a key part of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet.