Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Crashes, Pilots Eject Safely

An Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed early this morning on a test flight. Both pilots ejected safely before the plane crashed.

The twin-jet multi-role fighter crashed at Wavi-Tushi village, 25 kms from Nashik at 11.05 am, PTI reported quoting police officials as saying Wednesday.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet that crashed was an under-production aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or HAL in Nashik. The aircraft was still undergoing tests and was not yet handed over to the Indian Air Force.

Both pilots who ejected before the plane crashed were on deputation from the Indian Air Force.

According to news agency IANS, sources have said that the Sukhoi crash may have happened due to a technical glitch. A detailed investigation has been ordered.

Top officials of the Indian Air Force at Ojhar Air Force station, as well as the police have reached the site of the crash.

The aircraft, developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under licence by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), had taken off from the HAL airstrip near Nashik, police said.

More details are awaited.