Tejas Fighter Jet Suffers First Crash After 23 Years of Accident-Free Record

India's domestically developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas suffered a significant setback today, experiencing its first crash after a remarkable 23-year run of accident-free operation. The incident occurred during an operational training sortie in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan.

The aircraft, reportedly a Tejas in its Final Operational Configuration (FOC) and part of the Indian Air Force's No. 18 Flying Bullets squadron, crashed under circumstances that are still being investigated. The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and is reported to be safe.

Milestone Marred​

The Tejas program has been a source of pride for India's aerospace industry, recently celebrating 10,000 accident-free sorties. This crash marks a stark turning point in the aircraft's operational history.

Investigation Underway​

The Indian Air Force has swiftly ordered a Court of Inquiry (CoI) to meticulously examine the events leading up to the crash and identify the root cause. Preliminary analysis of available footage suggests the aircraft may have been attempting a takeoff or emergency landing, as its landing gears appeared deployed.

Intriguingly, the absence of visible smoke and a continued engine roar in the footage raise questions about potential scenarios. Unresponsive controls, electrical failure, or engine flameout are possibilities the investigation will need to explore.

Tejas: A Symbol of Progress​

The LCA Tejas program stands as a testament to India's growing prowess in aerospace design and manufacturing. This crash, while a setback, is unlikely to derail the larger ambitions of the program or India's defence modernization efforts.

The findings of the Court of Inquiry will be crucial in understanding the cause of this incident and taking steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

 

[Sandeep]

Can an autopilot system be implemented for the tejas that only activates if the pilots eject?

If a pilot has to eject then that means they have lost control of the jet and there's something categorically wrong that they can't sort out and it's dangerous for them to remain in the jet.

 

[Sandeep]

It's a shame that this jet crashed but despite that it has been flying for a long time with a very good safety record. India should look carefully at this accident and find out the exact fault and repair the damage or if the pilot has made an error and not followed correct procedures. This jet is the older MK1 version so this shouldn't affect the recent Tejas MK1A version that they have built and deliver to the IAF.

 

[Akshat]

You saw the video on the right-side plain field, roads, he flew into buildings. Further. it was slow with landing gear down. If someone got hurt, they would have blamed pilot as he should make effort to maneuver to unpopulated area.

Please read the manuals of IAF. While pilots are encouraged to go to unpopulated areas, there are no actions against them for letting the plane crash once the plane malfunctions and is not recoverable. You want him to commit su!cide by staying inside?

 

[Akshat]

10k+ flying hours is not a good number? Please go ahead and try your luck in video games, coz that's where you'll get your "remarkable" numbers.

I asked about the numbers produced, and you gave the number of flying hours. This diversions shows the validity of the criticism.

Btw, some modern engines have a flying life if 8000+ hours. Some even go to 10000. So 10000 hours in 23 years by the entire fleet is pitiful if nothing else.

 

[Akshat]

Apparently It was engine failure. Now HAL has started manufacturing Tejas engines too? Now any kind words against engine manufacturer?

According to whom? It was a manufacturing error, yes. But the court of inquiry has barely been set up and you already have the cause?

 

[IndianAtHeart]

While accidents do happen, I hope independent, thorough inquiry takes place and insightful and actionable report outlines issue and remediation steps and they are implemented to avoid similar issues in future. Else we will continue to commit same mistakes and never graduate to next level of engineering and manufacturing.