The burning wreckage of the MiG-29 that crashed near Agra. (Viral photo via X)
New Delhi: An Indian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jet crashed near Agra on Monday during a routine training mission. Fortunately, the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and is reported to be safe. The incident occurred around 11.30am as the jet was en route from Adampur airbase in Punjab to Agra for an exercise when it experienced a system malfunction, leading to the crash in an open field near Songa village.
In a statement, the IAF confirmed the incident and emphasized that the pilot managed to manoeuvre the aircraft to avoid populated areas, thereby preventing any casualties or damage on the ground. Visuals from the crash site show the aircraft engulfed in flames, with thick smoke rising as local residents gathered to witness the aftermath.
1. Loss of power on one/ both engines
— Dr MJ Augustine Vinod ?? (@mjavinod) November 4, 2024
2. Loss of forward speed (ejected with nose trimmed up)
3. Aircraft entered a flat spin
Typical of MiG29 behaviour in spin#MiG29Crash pic.twitter.com/xd0LIe1nK5
Eyewitness accounts describe a dramatic scene as villagers rushed to the site shortly after the crash occurred. In response to the incident, the IAF has initiated a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash.
? #BREAKING | Air Force's MiG-29 Jet Crashes Near #Agra Pilot Ejects Safely pic.twitter.com/6v1KfzjRx7
— Online24x7 (@ComOnline24x7) November 4, 2024
This is not the first incident involving a MiG-29; a similar crash occurred in September this year in Barmer, Rajasthan, due to a critical technical issue, where the pilot also ejected safely, as India Sentinels had reported then. In fact, Monday’s crash was the 13th accident involving an Indian Air Force MiG-29.
Details of other IAF MiG-29 crashes, as available in public domain, are:
* Crash in Barmer, Rajasthan, in September 2024.
* Crash near Jalandhar, Punjab, in December 1994.
* Crash in Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh, in August 2001.
* Crash near Jamnagar, Gujarat, in June 2008.
* Crash in Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh, again in October 2011.
* Crash near Jamnagar, Gujarat, again in June 2012.
* Crash for a third time in Jamnagar, Gujarat, in March 2015.
* Crash in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, in November 2019.
* Crash in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, again in May 2020.
* Crash for a third time in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, in November 2020.
* Crash near Jalandhar, Punjab, again in August 2021.
* Crash for a third time near Jalandhar, Punjab, in December 2021.
The MiG-29, known for its agility and versatility, has been a key component of India’s air defence since its induction into service in 1987. The aircraft involved today was an upgraded version known as MiG-29UPG, which features advanced avionics and weapon systems. Despite its robust design and capabilities, this incident raises concerns about the operational readiness and maintenance of older aircraft models within the IAF fleet.
