A Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed in a field near Shirasgaon village in Maharashtra’s Nashik today. Fortunately, the pilot and co-pilot ejected safely, although they sustained minor injuries.
The aircraft, a twin-engine, twin-seater fourth-generation fighter jet, took off from Ozar in Nashik for a test flight after being overhauled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A technical snag was reported by the pilots before the crash. The Su-30MKI is currently not part of the Indian Air Force’s inventory, sources informed NDTV.
Visuals from the crash site showed thick smoke rising from the burning aircraft as a crowd gathered. Police and emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, and the pilots received medical treatment.
The Su-30MKI features the Russian-built zero-zero NPP Zvezda K-36DM ejection seat, designed to help pilots safely escape from low-altitude or low-speed flight mishaps. This ejection system, part of the ‘Egress’ system, includes explosives under the seat, the canopy, and parachutes. The ejection angle is perpendicular to the aircraft’s forward movement to propel the pilot away safely.
During ejection, pilots experience high g-forces up to 20 times the normal force of gravity, which can cause severe injuries. The exact extent of the injuries suffered by the pilots in today’s crash is still unclear.
The Su-30MKI is a crucial part of the Indian Air Force, with over 200 aircraft serving in various squadrons across the country.
