Russian-Made YAK-130 Trainer Jet Crashes in Bangladesh: Pilots Survive
An Air Force training plane crashed into the Karnaphuli River near Chattogram's Patenga area, but both pilots survived. The YAK 130 aircraft caught fire after takeoff, leading to its mechanical failure and subsequent crash.
An Air Force training plane crashed into the Karnaphuli River near Chattogram's Patenga area, but thankfully, both pilots aboard survived the ordeal. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from the Chittagong Air Base at 10:28 am on Thursday, according to Group Captain Taslim Ahmad, the manager of Shah Amanat International Airport.
The plane, identified as a YAK 130 training fighter aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force, caught fire immediately after takeoff. Eyewitnesses reported that it broke into pieces and scattered as it crashed into the Karnaphuli River behind the boat club, as confirmed by Shakila Sultana, deputy commissioner (port) of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police.
Fortunately, both the pilot and the co-pilot managed to parachute to safety and were subsequently rescued. They were swiftly taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.
The Inter-Services Public Relations attributed the crash to mechanical failure. The YAK 130, a Russian-made advanced jet training aircraft, is a crucial asset in the training of Air Force personnel on fourth and fifth-generation fighter jets. Additionally, it can serve as a light combat and reconnaissance aircraft. The Bangladesh Air Force boasts a fleet of several YAK 130s.
In the wake of the accident, river transport on a segment of the Karnaphuli River was temporarily halted as a precautionary measure. However, port authorities soon lifted the alert once the situation was deemed under control.
The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation operations, underscoring the importance of rigorous training and maintenance protocols to ensure the safety of aircrew and the public alike.