Daijiworld Media Network- Jamnagar
Jamnagar, Apr 3: In a tragic incident, an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life and another sustained critical injuries after their Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat’s Jamnagar Airfield during a night training sortie on Wednesday night.
The ill-fated crash occurred in Suvarda village, approximately 12 km from Jamnagar city. According to sources, the aircraft reportedly encountered a technical malfunction mid-flight, compelling the pilots to initiate an emergency ejection.
In an official statement, the IAF expressed deep grief over the accident and confirmed that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the mishap.
“An IAF Jaguar two-seater aircraft airborne from Jamnagar Airfield crashed during a night mission. The pilots faced a technical malfunction and initiated ejection, avoiding harm to the airfield and local population,” the IAF statement read.
“Unfortunately, one pilot succumbed to his injuries, while the other is receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Jamnagar,” the statement added.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, the IAF extended heartfelt condolences, stating, “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
Visuals circulating on social media depicted a blazing field with scattered debris across the crash site. The cockpit and tail section of the aircraft were seen lying separately, engulfed in flames.
Officials revealed that the aircraft was on a routine night training sortie when the mishap occurred. The Jaguar fighter jet, known for its twin-engine design, has been a crucial part of the Indian Air Force since its induction in the late 1970s.
Despite undergoing multiple upgrades over the years, concerns have been raised about the operational lifespan of Jaguars following recurring accidents.
This tragic incident comes less than a month after another Jaguar aircraft crashed in Haryana’s Ambala on March 7 due to a system malfunction. In that incident, the pilot successfully steered the aircraft away from populated areas before safely ejecting.
The IAF has assured that all aspects of the crash will be thoroughly examined to ensure such incidents are minimized in the future.