A chilling CCTV video from May 9, 2024, has emerged, revealing the harrowing moments leading up to the crash of a Bangladeshi Air Force (BAF) Yak-130 trainer jet into the Karnaphuli River. The footage serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the risks inherent in low-level aerobatics.
In the video, the Yak-130 is seen attempting a low-level roll directly above the runway. The maneuver quickly turns disastrous as the jet's undercarriage makes contact with the tarmac, sending sparks flying as it grinds along the runway. Miraculously, the jet briefly regains altitude, but its tail section is already engulfed in flames.
The burning aircraft then slams into the nearby Karnaphuli River. Fortunately, both pilots managed to eject from the cockpit before impact, although tragically, one of the pilots later succumbed to his injuries. The surviving pilot, Wing Commander Sohan Hasan Khan, remains in critical condition at Banouja Isa Khan Hospital in Patenga. The deceased pilot has been identified as Flight Lieutenant Tahmid Rumman Asim.
The incident has prompted a thorough investigation by the BAF to ascertain the exact cause of the crash. While the investigation is ongoing, speculation has centered around the possibility of pilot error or a mechanical malfunction as contributing factors. Early reports from the Inter-Services Public Relations of Bangladesh (ISPR) indicated that a mechanical failure was the primary cause, but some aviation experts have suggested that the attempted maneuver was inherently risky.
This tragic event is a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with low-level flying and aerobatic displays. It underscores the importance of rigorous training, strict safety protocols, and thorough maintenance procedures to minimize the risks involved in military aviation.
The BAF's investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the findings are expected to shed more light on the specific factors that led to this devastating incident. The loss of Flight Lieutenant Asim is a profound loss for the BAF and a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by those in military service.
