IAF Aircraft crash in Rajasthan kills two, including a Pilot

An Indian Air Force Jaguar plane crashed in the Churu district of Rajasthan on Wednesday, 9th July, the Defence sources said. As per the reports, the remains of the pilot and co-pilot were found at the spot. The plane went down in a field in Bhanoda village at 1.25 pm, SHO Rajaldesar Kamlesh mentioned. According to him, the human body parts of the pilot and co-pilot were spotted close to the crash spot.
The aircraft is said to have taken off from the Suratgarh Airbase. The IAF authorities have initiated an inquiry to determine the reason behind the crash.
Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed as a two-seater Jaguar training aircraft crashed during a routine training flight in India. The Jaguars form part of an ageing fleet that is growing more susceptible to technical problems.

The Martyred Victims

 The victims were identified as Squadron Leader Lokender Singh Sindhu (32) of Rohtak, Haryana—who unfortunately became a father on June 10, barely a month ago—and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh (23) of Pali, Rajasthan.
Witnesses described the plane fighting to fly before crashing, with one pilot said to have made an attempt at a last-minute effort to avoid flying over residential homes, highlighting their courage.
This is said to be the third Jaguar Jet Crash this year.

Prior to this crash, earlier this year— crashes in Ambala (March) and Jamnagar (April) were witnessed. This is against the backdrop of growing safety concerns over the increasingly ageing fleet. The Indian Air Force has constituted a court of inquiry to determine the reason behind it. Local officials confirmed no civilian fatalities and no damage to ground property.