Two Indian pilots possibly lost (170 words)

Published: 10/17/2000

According to a report from the Press Trust of India, two Indian Air Force MiG 21s collided in midair and crashed in Assam's Darrang and adjacent Sonitpur districts on the 16th October, killing the pilot of one of the planes. The aircraft flying from Misamari Air Force base in Sonitpur district on a training mission, collided in midair with one of them crashing into a paddy field in Darrang district's Bengenabari area and the other in remote Rowmari area in Sonitpur district. One pilot ,who was reported to be under training, was killed in the crash while the instructor ejected safely suffering minor injuries. Details of the crash of the second aircraft, were not available The loss of further aircraft will further embarrass the Indian Air Force that has lost significant numbers of aircraft due to what many see as inexperienced pilot handling inappropriate aircraft given their level of training. The air force has recently endeavoured to resolve the problem by agreeing to lease Alpha jets and longer term to buy the Hawk for training roles.

Article ID: 2132