Four days after an Indian Navy MiG-29K trainer crashed, Navy specialists have located the primary wreckage fighter plane. Sources told NDTV the ejection seat of Commander Nishant Singh, the instructor at the controls of the jet is not present at this site.
The Navy had recovered some parts of the MiG-29K trainer aircraft which crashed off the Goa coast on 26 November. In the subsequent search, the rest of the wreckage was found. The search for the missing pilot continues with extensive deployment of naval ships and aircraft, said a Navy spokesperson.
“Some debris of the aircraft, including landing gear, turbocharger, fuel tank engine and wing engine cowling have been located,” read Indian Navy’s statement.
A MiG-29K trainer aircraft operating at sea met with an accident on Thursday evening. One pilot has been recovered in the subsequent search, however, the second pilot is still missing. The cause of the crash is still unknown.
NDTV reported that the fighter was flying at a very low altitude when the pilots ejected. The report added that the trainee maintains he spotted a second parachute after he got out of the aircraft.
At present, nine warships and 14 aircraft engaged in the search efforts. “Indian Navy's Fast Interceptor Craft are also deployed to search waters along the coast. Further, the Marine/Coastal police are on the lookout and nearby fishing villages have been sensitised,” read Navy’s statement.
Meanwhile, an inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident.
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