An IAF MiG-21 crashed in sand dunes in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer on Friday night, killing the pilot, Wing Commander Harshit Sinha.
A MiG-21 plane of the Indian Air Force crashed in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer on Friday during a training sortie. Pilot Wing Commander Harshit Sinha was killed in the crash.
The incident took place in Sudasiri village near the Indo-Pak border in Jaisalmer.Jaisalmer SP Ajay Singh said that the plane crashed in the Desert National Park area under the Sam police station.
The SP said local police reached the spot.
The IAF said on Twitter, “This evening, around 8.30 pm, a MiG-21 aircraft of IAF met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie.”
It added that an inquiry “is being ordered”.
“With deep sorrow, IAF conveys the sad demise of Wing Commander Harshit Sinha in the flying accident this evening and stands firmly with the family of the braveheart,” it stated.
Sam police station SHO Dalpat Singh said the plane crashed in sand dunes near Sudasari.
A witness, who lives in a hamlet near the Desert National Park, said he saw the plane burst into flames. He claimed the plane caught fire before hitting the ground.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also extended condolences to Wing Commander Harshit Sinha’s family. “Saddened to know Wing Commander Harshit Sinha lost his life, when a MiG-21 aircraft met with a flying accident in the western sector during a training sortie. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. We share their grief and pray they find strength,” CM Gehlot said.
