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IAF’s Tejas Aircraft Crashes Near Jaisalmer During Training Sortie; Pilot Ejects Safely

For the first time, a Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) of the Indian Air Force crashed in Rajasthan during an operational training sortie.

by Tashika Tyagi
IAF’s Tejas Aircraft Crashes Near Jaisalmer During Training Sortie; Pilot Ejects Safely

An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, a Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA), met with an accident near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan today. Thankfully, the pilot inside was able to eject on time and landed safely. This is the first-ever crash reported of the Tejas aircraft in 23 years. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to know more about what caused the mishap.

IAF’s Tejas Aircraft Crashes Near Jaisalmer During Training Exercise

During an operational training sortie, a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on Tuesday. The IAF confirmed the news on their X (formerly Twitter) handle and also reported that the pilot was able to eject on time and was safe.

Thick, black smoke surrounded the area of the crash and locals were seen capturing the entire accident on their phones. Many people were able to capture the pilot ejected in the air right before the aircraft hit a single-storey brick structure in the area. According to Jaisalmer police, there is no life or property loss in the region due to the crash.

This crash is the first-ever mishap reported in a Tejas aircraft. This indigenous aircraft first took flight 23 years ago and no such crashes or accidents have been reported by the IAF so far. As per the tweet by IAF, the pilot was on an operational training sortie. The Air Force has also ordered a court of inquiry to find out the cause of this accident.

Also Read: PM Modi Visits Sabarmati Ashram On Dandi March Anniversary; Unveils Infrastructural Projects Worth ₹85,000 Cr

PM Modi In Pokhran, Just 100 Km Away From The Accident

The in-air mishap took place at Jawahar Nagar, Jaisalmer. This area is around 100 kilometres from Pokhran in Rajasthan where the Prime Minister was addressing the Bharat Shakti programme. PM Modi is on a Rajasthan tour and was supposed to witness a Tri-Services Live Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise there. If sources are to be believed then this aircraft was supposed to be a part of the exercise on behalf of the Indian Air Force.

This mishap is quite unfortunate. Thankfully, the pilot is safe and no casualties have been reported in the area of the crash either. We hope the investigation is able to identify the cause of this incident and no such accidents happen again.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/@yuvnique

First Published: March 12, 2024 4:48 PM