Indian Navy’s MiG-29K Crashes in Goa; Pilots Eject Safely

Pilots Captain M Sheokhand and Lt Cdr Deepak Yadav ejected safely.

MiG-29K fighter aircraft crashes in Goa during a training mission.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter)

Video Editor: Vishal Kumar

An Indian Navy MiG-29K trainer aircraft suffered an engine fire and crashed during a training mission in Goa on Saturday, 16 November. The aircraft had taken off from INS Hansa at Dabolim airport earlier in the day.

“At about noon on 16 Nov 2019, a MiG-29K twin seater aircraft, on a routine training sortie, encountered a flock of birds after take off from INS Hansa Air Base at Dabolim Goa. The pilot observed the left engine had flamed out and the right engine had caught fire.”

Indian Navy

Indian Navy’s statement further added that the attempts to recover aircraft were unsuccessful because of the damage to the aircraft and the low height.

“The pilot, showing presence of mind, pointed the aircraft away from populated areas and both pilots ejected safely. An enquiry has been instituted by the navy. The pilots Capt M Sheokhand and Lt Cdr Deepak Yadav are safe and have been recovered. There has been no loss of life or damage to property on ground,” said the statement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “Spoke to the pilots, Capt Mrigank and Deepak Yadav of the MiG-29K which crashed after the take-off from Goa today.”

“It is a matter of great satisfaction that they managed to eject in time and both of them are safe. I pray for their good health and well-being,” he added.