Guwahati, March 6: A Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft crashed during a routine training mission in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on March 5, resulting in the deaths of two pilots, officials confirmed.
The IAF identified the deceased officers as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, both of whom sustained fatal injuries in the crash. In a statement, the Air Force expressed condolences to their families and paid tribute to the officers’ service.
“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 force said.
According to officials, the aircraft had taken off from Jorhat at around 6:45 pm for a training sortie. However, it lost radar contact with ground control at approximately 7:42 pm, prompting authorities to initiate search and rescue operations in the area.
Residents in nearby villages reported hearing a loud noise followed by an explosion shortly after the aircraft went down. Locals joined the rescue efforts, using torches and other lights to help locate the crash site in the darkness.
Police personnel and Air Force Police teams reached the site soon after the incident and carried out search operations in the surrounding area. Earlier, the Air Force had stated that the aircraft was reported overdue after it lost radar contact during the mission.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-seat multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russian aerospace company Sukhoi and serves as a crucial component of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet. Authorities said further details regarding the incident are being ascertained.
