An aircraft on a routine training sortie from Jorhat lost radar contact before crashing in Karbi Anglong’s remote hilly terrain
Karbi Anglong: A tragic aviation incident unfolded in Assam on March 5 when a Sukhoi Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force crashed in the hilly terrain of Karbi Anglong, killing both pilots on board. The aircraft was on a routine training mission when it went down, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation in the remote forested region.
The IAF later confirmed the deaths of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash. In a statement, the Air Force expressed deep condolences to the families of the two officers.
According to officials, the fighter jet had taken off from the Jorhat airbase at around 6.45 pm for a routine training sortie. The aircraft reportedly lost radar contact with ground control at approximately 7.42 pm, following which search and rescue teams were immediately mobilised.
The wreckage was later located in a remote hill area in the region of Karbi Anglong district, nearly 60 kilometres from Jorhat. The rugged terrain and dense forest cover made access difficult for rescue teams.
Search and rescue teams reached the area and began operations despite the challenging terrain. Medical teams, doctors, and a forensic team are present at the site, and investigation procedures are currently underway.
Earlier, the Air Force had reported that the aircraft was overdue after losing radar contact during the training sortie, triggering concerns and leading to the launch of an emergency search effort.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-seat, multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi design bureau and remains one of the most advanced and versatile aircraft in the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet.
Investigators are closely examining the location and gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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