A MiG-29K trainer aircraft of the Indian Navy crashed into the Arabian Sea on Thursday evening.
One pilot of the aircraft has been rescued and a search operation has been launched in search of the second pilot.
Both air and surface units have been engaged in the search operation.
The Indian Navy said the mishap took place at around 5 pm on Thursday in the Arabian Sea.
It further said a high-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter.
“A MiG-29K trainer ac operating over sea reported ditched at about 1700h/ 26 Nov 20. One pilot recovered. SAR (Search & Rescue) operation in progress to look for the 2nd pilot. #IN has instituted an inquiry to look into cause of accident,” Indian Navy’s ex-spokesperson Captain DK Sharma tweeted.
A MiG-29K trainer ac operaring over sea reported ditched at about 1700h/ 26 Nov 20. One pilot recovered. SAR (Search & Rescue) operation in progress to look for the 2nd pilot. #IN has instituted an inquiry to look into cause of accident @indiannavy (rep pic) pic.twitter.com/LKxOyKmTRL
— Captain DK Sharma (@CaptDKS) November 27, 2020
The Indian Navy has a fleet of over 40 MiG-29K fighter aircraft based out of Goa and also operated from the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier.
According to reports, a MiG-29K aircraft crashed in February this year after it was hit by birds over Goa.
However, both the pilots of the aircraft were able to steer the jet away from habitation before ejecting.
The action drew praises from Union minister of state for defence, Shripad Naik.
A MiG-29K trainer aircraft crashed outside a village in Goa in November last year and both the pilots ejected safely.
