An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 fighter aircraft crashed on Wednesday morning while on a routine training mission in Gwalior. The ageing Soviet-era plane crashed only minutes after taking off from the Gwalior airbase. Both MiG-21 pilots a Group Captain and a squadron leader on board had managed to eject to safety and, are due to undergo a medical evaluation to assess if they are fit to fly.
The MiG-21 has earned the dubious distinction of being referred to as ‘Flying Coffins’ and ‘Widow Makers’ in IAF circles. Over 200 people have lost their lives in MiG-21 crashes.
So many MiG 21 s have crashed.what are the reasons for crash identified and established should be studied and requisite action should be taken on assessment.Histological assessment should be done.Either it would be a pilot error or a technical malfunction or a snag In aviation there is no scope for error,not even one error.The day my father retired from IAF I asked him,wh wh did you achieve in service.He replied,my job was errorless..He was a maintenance cum design engineer in IAF , very organised, focused,hardworking,methodical,commited to his profession.He was also gifted.But unfortunately IAF does not offer recognition or incentives to such persons.Now IAF reaps the consequences.Results are fatal errors by pilots and engineering staff.Media should demand the results o f court of unquiet. Aj Kumar