Technical Error, Not IAF Pilot’s Mistake: Black Box Data Indicates Sensor Malfunction Caused Mirage 2000 Crash

Data retrieved from the black box of the crashed Mirage 2000 jet suggests a technical malfunction related to sensors rather pilot’s mistake, reports ANI.

On 1 February 2019, a Mirage fighter aircraft crashed at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) airport in Bengaluru killing two pilots. Two test pilots were flying the aircraft, Squadron Leader Negi and Squadron Leader Abrol, of the Indian Air Force (IAF). They were taking the plane for an acceptance test flight after Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had upgraded it.

Though one of the two pilots managed to eject from the plane, he fell on the debris and died. The other pilot was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

India had sent the black box of the ill-fated Mirage 2000 to France (the original manufacturer of the jet) to ascertain the reason for the mishap. Indian Air Force (IAF) also nominated Air Vice Marshal N Tiwari of the National Flight Test Centre to the Court of Inquiry to ensure a fair probe. HAL is also part of the probe.

HAL Under Scanner

Questioning the work ethics of the state-run HAL in the aftermath of the crash, former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash had sought accountability from the firm. “The Mirage was not flown by ordinary pilots; these were superbly trained ASTE test pilots. Mil (military) has for decades flown poor quality HAL machines and often paid with young lives but not reckoning for HAL management. Time to focus on the leadership and directors of this giant PSU," tweeted Prakash on the Mirage crash,” he had said.

The Mirage 2000 crash came barely four days after an Indian Air Force's Jaguar fighter plane crashed in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on 28 January.

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