Fuel tank of Indian Air Force's Tejas falls mid-air in Tamil Nadu, probe ordered

Fuel tank of the Indian Air Force’s Tejas aircraft fell in a farmland during a flight near Sulur airbase in Tamil Nadu today. A probe has been ordered by the officials. According to latest media reports, it was a spare fuel tank and the pilot managed to land the plane safely. An NDTV report said that locals reported a fire from the place where the fuel tank fell during the flight. The IAF has also confirmed the incident and issued a statement. “Today at 840h one fuel drop tank fell off from a Tejas aircraft on a routine sortie from Sulur Air Base near Coimbatore. The aircraft landed back safely after the incident. No damage was reported on ground. The cause of the incident is being investigated,” the statement said.

 

Today morning at around 0840h, one fuel drop tank fell off from a Tejas aircraft on a routine sortie from Sulur Air Base near Coimbatore. The aircraft landed back safely after the incident. No damage was reported on ground. The cause of the incident is being investigated: IAF pic.twitter.com/SSP7TFEFFD

— News Nation (@NewsNationTV) July 2, 2019

Earlier, a fighter jet of the Indian Air Force suffered a bird hit during a regular sortie at Ambala airbase. However, the quick-thinking of the young pilot saved the day. The professionalism by the young pilot of Indian Air Force not only saved a Jaguar fighter jet but also lives of many civilians after it was hit by a bird during take-off at Ambala air base. IAF has released a 48-second video of the June 27 incident that showed the pilot’s maneuver of jettisoning two additional fuel drop tanks and CBLS Pods despite most serious emergencies staring in his face.

"On the morning of June 27, 2019, an IAF Jaguar aircraft loaded with two additional fuel drop tanks and Carrier Bomb Light Stores (CBLS) pods took off from AFS Ambala for a training mission. Immediately after takeoff, the aircraft encountered a flock of birds," the IAF said.

One of the fuel tanks landed in a residential area near Ambala air base but no one was injured, added district administration officials.

“Bird hit resulted in the failure of one of its engines. Despite most serious emergencies staring in his face, the young pilot assessed the situation in seconds, jettisoned two additional fuel drop tanks & CBLS Pods as per Standard Operating Procedure & safely landed the jet,” the Air Force said.

Praising the young pilot, IAF said, “His actions bear testimony to highest professional standards of IAF resulting from extensive operational training. The professionalism & quick thinking by the pilot not only saved a war waging asset but also lives of many civilians in the area adjoining the airfield.”