26 IAF fighter aircraft crashed in last 3 years, says defence minister AK Antony

NEW DELHI: Twenty six Indian Air Force ( IAF) fighter aircraft have crashed in last three years resulting in the death of 12 persons, including six service personnel and injuring 25 civilians, government said.

In his written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Defence Minister A K Antony said, "During last three years (Financial Year 2008-09 to 2010-11) and current financial year, 26 fighter aircraft of IAF have crashed."

A maximum of 10 fighter aircraft crashed in 2009-10, while the number of crashes for 2008-09 and 2010-11 were eight and six respectively. This year, up to August, two incidents of air crashes took place in the force.

On number of people killed in these crashes, the Minister said, "Six service personnel and six civilians were killed. 25 civilians were also injured in these accidents."

Apart from the loss of aircraft, compensation is paid by government to the next kin of deceased service personnel and civilians, to injured civilians and towards civil property damage, as per extant government instruction, Antony said.

On percentage of crashes because of human error, he said, "Accidents caused by human error have accounted for approximately 23 per cent of accidents of fighter aircraft in the IAF during the last three years."

On steps taken by government to reduce such incidents, Antony said, "Some of these steps include increased use of simulators to practice procedures and emergency action, focused and realistic training with additional emphasis on critical aspect of mission."

Crew Resource Management and Operational Risk Management have also been introduced to enable safe mission launches.