An Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 fighter jet crashed on 1st February, 10:30 am. The two pilots, Squadron Leader Siddharth Negi and Squadron Leader Sameer Abrol passed away in the hospital. Thirty-one-year-old Siddharth Negi was from Dehradun while thirty-three-year-old Sameer was a native of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Sameer Abrol had been commissioned in June 2008 while Siddharth Negi had been commissioned in June 2009.
A technical snag is believed to have led to the crash.
The pilots ejected at the last moment but unfortunately sustained injuries and succumbed to the injuries in the hospital. One of the pilot’s parachute reportedly caught fire which aggravated the condition.
The exact cause for the malfunction isn’t known
The exact cause for the malfunction isn’t known but the aircraft failed to take off properly and crashed into a blockade near the runway near Yamalur off Old Airport Road.
Soon after the crash, a plume of smoke rose and was visible from a kilometer away. Curious onlookers crowded the road leading to congestion that required the traffic police to clear.
First-hand accounts speak of how they saw the burning parachutes descend and the injuries sustained by the pilots. Though one of them showed signs of consciousness, the burns were severe in nature.
Though fire engines and helicopters rushed to the site of the crash within minutes, and the pilots rushed to the Command Hospital, it was unfortunately not enough to save their lives. An investigation is underway to determine the exact nature and cause of the snag. The Mirage 2000 is a French multirole fighter jet designed in the 1970s.
A Mirage-2000 aircraft crashed at HALAirport during a sortie today at around 10:30 am. Both pilots ejected. Further details are awaited. @drajaykumar_ias @DefProdnIndia @SpokespersonMoD @gopalsutar
— HAL (@HALHQBLR) February 1, 2019
A jet crashed at HAL airport. Initial reports are that it's a IAF Mirage. HAL yet to confirm. Happened just few minutes back. pic.twitter.com/RddiZEZ4I0
— Nagarjun Dwarakanath (@nagarjund) February 1, 2019
Fighter crash in #HAL airport. Possible @IAF_MCC Mirage fighter. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/iSeVWH1CKm
— Nolan Pinto (@nolanentreeo) February 1, 2019
It has been modified by HAL for use by the Indian Air Force. The crash of this aircraft comes barely a few days after the crash of the Jaguar fighter plane – also upgraded by the HAL in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased pilots. May their soul rest in peace.
