IAF's freshly acquired Hawk AJT registers first crash

01 May 2008

1

Bidar: In a major embarrassment for the Indian Air Force, a freshly acquired Hawk132 trainer aircraft crashed on take-off at the Bidar Air Force Station on Tuesday. Two pilots in the aircraft bailed out safely.

The crash occurs just a couple of months after the aircraft was inducted into service at an elaborate ceremony attended by defence minister, AK Antony, and top officials of British Aerospace Systems, the manufacturers of Hawk.

The IAF has ordered an inquiry into the accident. It said no person was injured or killed as a result of the accident and also that there was no damage to civil or other property.

Reports suggest that the aircraft's climbing capability appeared to have been affected, with the aircraft hitting the ground within a few seconds of take off. While one of the two pilots managed to eject, the other, though trapped in the aircraft, is reported to be safe.

The Hawk 132 Advanced Jet Trainer is meant to train IAF pilots in handling advanced fighter jets. The IAF has bought 66 Hawks from BAE Systems, of which eight have been delivered. The aircraft are based in Bidar.

The induction has not been without teething problems. There were complaints about the availability of spares as a result of which the aircraft were even grounded for a brief period.

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