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Alaska F-35 Crash: Pilot Unhurt, ‘Wild’ Video Of Incident Emerges | WATCH

January 29, 2025, 1:23 pm

A U.S. Air Force pilot is safe following the crash of a single-seat F-35 fighter jet at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska on Tuesday. The incident, which took place on the runway, left the advanced aircraft severely damaged. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, it is not yet known whether the crash occurred during landing or takeoff. Investigations are ongoing.

Crash Details and Pilot’s Condition

The accident occurred around 12:49 p.m., and initial reports confirmed that the pilot was unharmed. After the crash, the pilot was quickly transported to Bassett Army Hospital for further medical evaluation. A statement from Eielson Air Force Base confirmed that the pilot’s safety was a priority and that no serious injuries had been reported.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Assurance

An Eielson spokesperson, Staff Sgt. Kimberly Touchet, indicated that the investigation is still in its early stages, with authorities working to confirm the specific details of the crash. A press conference was scheduled later on Tuesday to provide further updates.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Whoa – an F-35 jet just crashed in Alaska

pic.twitter.com/xcrvbXYcbk

— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) January 29, 2025

“We take the safety of our personnel very seriously,” said Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing. “The United States Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation to understand the cause of this incident and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”

Expansion at Eielson Air Force Base

Eielson Air Force Base, located approximately 25 miles south of Fairbanks, is a key location for the U.S. military. The base has been home to a significant expansion project since being selected in 2016 to host 54 F-35 fighter jets. This expansion, which cost over $500 million, included the construction of 36 new buildings and numerous housing units for military families.

Recent F-35 Incidents

This crash follows a series of other high-profile F-35 incidents. In May, an F-35 crashed during a refueling stop in New Mexico, with the pilot sustaining serious injuries. Additionally, in October 2023, an F-35 crashed in South Carolina after the pilot ejected prematurely, leaving the aircraft to fly unmanned for 11 minutes before crashing.

The F-35, known for its impressive range and capabilities, is designed for long-duration missions, capable of flying for over 12 hours and reaching almost anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Despite its advanced technology, this recent crash highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. Air Force in ensuring the safety and reliability of its fleet.

INDIA’S FIRST UNMANNED COMBAT AIRCRAFT SOARS THROUGH SKY

September 4, 2024, 2:59 am

Following the criticism on social media in May over the launch of the Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) prototype, the company has announced the successful maiden flight of India’s first indigenous unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD 200B. The announcement was made during a press conference at Fortune Park JP Celestial in Bengaluru, where the first flight was showcased through a video screening.

Equipping India with modern defense capabilities, the UAV is classified as a Medium Altitude 15000 ft., Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) . The FWD 200B has optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for air strikes and bombing. It can also be utilized in natural disaster relief efforts.
FWD 200B’s first flight represents the fulfillment of India’s long-awaited dream of producing a combat UAV domestically is 90% indigenous.

Speaking at the event, Suhas Tejaskanda, Founder & CEO of FWDA, expressed, “India is the world’s largest importer of arms in the last five years, and has often paid up to ten times the cost for military technology from countries like the US and Israel. The successful flight of the FWD 200B is not just an achievement for our company, but a victory for the entire nation.”

“Making India self-reliant, this landmark achievement follows years of persistent efforts to develop a combat UAV indigenously, overcoming challenges that had previously hindered similar initiatives by leading defense agencies,” he added.

The aircraft’s aerodynamics design, airframe, propulsion systems, control systems, and electronics are all made in India at FWDA’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility of 12,000 sq. ft built on 1.5-acre land, located at Electronic City, Bengaluru.
FWD 200B features a wingspan of 5 meters (16.4 feet) and a length of 3.5 meters (12.1 feet), making it compact yet powerful. Despite its size, the aircraft boasts an impressive Maximum Take-off Weight (MTOW) of 102 kg and can carry a payload capacity of 30 kg, making it capable of conducting significant missions with precision.

Operating at a cruise altitude of 12,000 feet and reaching an absolute ceiling of 15,000 feet, the FWD 200B can fly at a cruise speed of 152 km/h, with a maximum speed of 250 km/h. Its operational versatility is further highlighted by its runway requirement of just 300 meters, allowing it to operate from shorter airstrips. With an endurance of 7 hours and a range of 800 km, the FWD 200B ensures extended mission capabilities, providing substantial coverage without the need for frequent refueling or landing.

Leaping India’s defense technologies, the unmanned bomber aircraft is said to be available at a tenth of the cost of imported US Predator drones. FWD 200B pegged to be the Nation’s eagle eye is a demonstration of India’s capability to produce world-class defence technology and marks the beginning of a new era of indigenous military technology where our country stands as a leader in unmanned aerial systems reducing reliance on expensive drone imports. The company also plans to launch a 12-meter wingspan aircraft soon.

Australia’s First Aircraft Deployed In India For ‘Tarang Shakti’-II Military Exercise

September 3, 2024, 5:24 pm

The Royal Australian Air Force has deployed combat aircraft to India for the first time to participate in Exercise ‘Tarang Shakti,’ according to a statement from Australia’s Defence department. The second phase of India’s largest multilateral air exercise, ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24,’ is currently underway at Air Force Station Jodhpur from August 30 to September 13. Australia is joined by Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the United States in this exercise.

Australia has sent three EA-18G Growler aircraft from No 6 Squadron, along with up to 120 personnel.

“This is the first time India has conducted Exercise Tarang Shakti, with 11 participating nations and 18 observer nations attending,” the statement highlighted.

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, emphasized that Australia’s involvement in Exercise Tarang Shakti underscores its dedication to regional partners and international cooperation in addressing shared security challenges.

“India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India, the Government is continuing to prioritise practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability,” Air Marshal Chappell stated.

He noted that Australia’s participation in such exercises highlights its advanced capabilities, providing aviators with opportunities to enhance interoperability with foreign forces.

“Participation in international exercises such as Tarang Shakti 24 showcases our advanced capabilities that ensure rapid response and adaptability to emerging threats and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region,” Chappell said.

“Exercise Tarang Shakti 24 will provide our aviators with the opportunity to develop interoperability with foreign militaries, develop a mutual understanding of tactical operations, and foster international relations,” he added.

Australia and India have strengthened air defence cooperation in recent years, with India’s Air Force Flankers participating in Exercise Pitch Black in 2018, 2022, and 2024, according to the Australian Defence Department.

The Air Force also engages in various training and cooperative activities with Indian Navy P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft.

Australia will continue to deepen its defence cooperation with India, recognizing India’s crucial role in the region, as stated in the release.

The first phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti, which involved the air forces of Germany, France, Spain, and the UK, concluded in Tamil Nadu in August.

Nepal Plane Crash: Saurya Airlines Pilot Survives, 18 Killed

July 24, 2024, 1:46 pm

The pilot of the Saurya Airlines plane that crashed at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu is the sole survivor of the tragic accident, according to a statement from TIA.

The crash, which occurred at approximately 11:11 AM local time, resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals. TIA officials confirmed that the plane, a CRJ7 with registration number 9N-AME, took off from Kathmandu en route to Pokhara but crashed on the east side of the runway shortly after takeoff.

“The aircraft turned right after takeoff and crashed,” said a TIA spokesperson. “Fire was brought under control quickly, and rescue operations commenced immediately. We recovered 18 bodies and rescued one injured person who was taken to the hospital.”

The lone survivor, identified as 37-year-old pilot Manish Shakya, was rushed to KMC Hospital in Sinamangal.

Initial reports from the Nepal Police indicated that 15 bodies were found at the crash site. The plane was carrying only technical staff of Saurya Airlines, with no passengers on board, as it was being flown to Pokhara for maintenance. Gyanendra Bhul, TIA’s information officer, confirmed that the plane had only a few technical staff members on board.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke emanating from the plane shortly after it crashed. Firefighters and security personnel, including Nepal Police and the Nepali Army, were deployed to the site to control the situation.

As a result of the crash, Tribhuvan International Airport has been closed, affecting dozens of flights. Both inbound and outbound flights have been suspended. According to The Himalayan Times, domestic flights have been halted at various airports, and international flights have been either put on hold or diverted to other locations. The airport will remain closed until the rescue operation is completed.

Nepal Plane Crash: 18 Dead During takeoff At Kathmandu Airport, Watch

July 24, 2024, 12:32 pm

A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday morning when a Saurya Airlines flight skidded off the runway during takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The incident, which took place around 11 AM, resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals out of the 19 people onboard, including 2 crew members and 17 technicians

Watch The Video:

#WATCH | Plane crashes at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal’s Kathmandu

Details awaited pic.twitter.com/DNXHSvZxCz

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2024

The flight was headed to Pokhara when it veered off the runway and caught fire upon impact. Emergency responders quickly extinguished the blaze, but the damage had already been done. The pilot was rushed to a nearby hospital and is receiving medical attention for a head injury. The army of Nepal is in charge of the rescue efforts.

Eyewitnesses told The Kathmandu Post that the plane overturned when its wing-tip struck the ground during takeoff. They reported that the aircraft quickly burst into flames and fell into a gorge on the runway’s eastern side.

According to media reports, the plane was operated by local carrier Saurya Airlines. Saurya Airlines runs domestic flights within Nepal using two Bombardier CRJ-200 regional jets, each approximately 20 years old, as noted by Flight Radar 24.

In January of the previous year, a Yeti Airlines flight crashed near Pokhara, Nepal, just before landing, resulting in the deaths of 72 people, including five Indians.

On May 29, 2022, a Tara Air plane crash in Mustang district claimed the lives of all 22 passengers.

In 2018, a US-Bangla Airlines flight crash-landed near Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, resulting in 51 fatalities and leaving 20 others seriously injured.

Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima’s Aircraft Goes Missing; Rescue Operations On

June 10, 2024, 10:28 pm

The news of Malawian Vice-President Saulos Chilima’s missing military aircraft has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting urgent search and rescue efforts. The aircraft, carrying Chilima and nine others, reportedly disappeared from radar after failing to land as scheduled.

Despite extensive efforts by aviation authorities to establish contact with the missing aircraft, no communication has been established thus far. Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has wasted no time in ordering both regional and national forces to initiate an immediate search and rescue operation to locate the whereabouts of the aircraft.

Chakwera’s decision to cancel his own trip to the Bahamas underscores the seriousness of the situation and the priority given to locating the missing aircraft and its passengers.

The disappearance of the vice-president’s aircraft comes against the backdrop of Chilima’s recent legal troubles. In 2022, he faced charges of corruption related to a bribery scandal involving a British-Malawian businessman, resulting in the stripping of his powers. However, last month, the charges against Chilima were dropped by a Malawian court following his consistent attendance at court hearings.

The sudden disappearance of the aircraft has left many concerned for the safety of Chilima and the other passengers, with hopes pinned on the ongoing search and rescue efforts to provide answers and ensure their safe return.

India’s largest flight school to reduce pilot training costs

August 14, 2023, 2:31 pm

India’s largest flying school, RedBird Flight Training Academy is thinking of investing $6 million in mounting training infrastructure to stay competitive with the increasing demand for pilots in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market over the coming five years.

Chairman of Tenon Group, the parent company of RedBird, Maj. (Retd) Manjit Rajain said, “We have today a budget of nearly $6 million which we have kept aside. This is our money, excluding any external financing that we may be raising from banks or other financial institutions.”

Currently, the company which has 40 aircraft and six flight training schools situated in India and one in Sri Lanka is positive of notably extending its infrastructure by the end of FY24.

Rajian said they were optimistic about the course fees shrinking further with the growth in the company’s operations scale, upholding that the cost of pilot training with RedBird was 30 per cent cheaper as compared to if a cadet went overseas.

Rajain added, “We are proud to state that we are economical. Today, we are also the largest [flight training school] in Asia on every parameter, be it the number of planes, instructors and students trained.”

According to data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, till date, there are 36 Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) in India operating at 57 bases. In the year 2022, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) handed out a record 1,165 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) to serve to the demand of the industry.

Taiwan tracks 24 Chinese military aircraft, five naval ships around nation

June 13, 2023, 4:29 pm

Ministry of National Defense (MND) of Taiwan detected 24 Chinese military aircraft and five navy vessels in the vicinity of Taiwan between 6 am on Sunday, 11 June, and 6 am on Monday, 12 June. Out of the 24 aircraft, 10 entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The specific aircraft included four Shenyang J-11 fighter jets, four Shenyang J-16 combat jets, and two Sukhoi Su-30 fighter planes, as reported by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense.

In response to this activity, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft, navy ships, and land-based missiles to monitor the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) activity, according to Taiwan News.

Beijing has sent 141 military aircraft and 53 naval ships around Taiwan so far this month. According to Taiwan News, China has intensified its use of grey zone tactics since September 2020 by gradually increasing the number of military aircraft and naval ships patrolling around Taiwan.Grey zone tactics are defined as “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resorting to direct and substantial use of force.”

Tragedy in Rajasthan: Indian Air Force MiG-21 crash kills 3 civilians

May 8, 2023, 1:18 pm

A total of three civilians were killed after the wreckage of the Indian Air Force MiG-21 aircraft fell on a house in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district on Monday morning, the IAF said today.

The aircraft had taken off from the Suratgarh airbase for a routine exercise when it crashed near Bahlol Nagar in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh due to an “onboard emergency.” The mishap took place at around 9.25 am.

“Soon after the take-off, the pilot experienced an onboard emergency, following which he attempted to recover the aircraft as per existing procedures. Having failed to do so, he initiated an ejection, sustaining minor injuries in the process. The pilot was recovered from about 25 kilometres North East of Suratgarh’s base,” IAF said in the statement.

“The aircraft wreckage fell on a house in Bahlol Nagar in Hanumangarh District, unfortunately leading to the loss of three lives. The IAF regrets the loss of lives and offers its deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” it added.
The Indian Air Force has ordered a court of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.

The MiG-21 fleet is on its last leg and all the remaining three aircraft from the fleet are planned to be poached out by 2025.Earlier in January, one pilot lost his life after two IAF fighter jets – a Sukhoi-30 and a Mirage 2000 – crashed during a training exercise.
While one aircraft crashed in Morena in Madhya Pradesh, the other crashed and landed in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur.

Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels tracked near Taiwan

April 25, 2023, 4:51 pm

As per the news reported by Taiwan News, Taiwan monitors 13 Chinese military aircraft and three naval vessels around the country between 23 and 24 April.

13 military aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and three ships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) had been tracked over Taiwan, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND). One of the detected aircraft entered the southeast section of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ), reported Taiwan News.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said that 13 People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) military aircraft and three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels had been tracked around Taiwan.

In the southeast area of ADIZ, a Harbin Z-9 anti-submarine warfare helicopter was tracked.
According to the MND, it kept an eye on the situation and responded by deploying land-based air defence missile systems, sending out navy boats, and scrambling combat patrol aircraft.

Nearly 50 Indigo and GoFirst planes grounded

February 26, 2023, 9:43 pm

According to a Pratt and Whitney (P&W) representative, IndiGo and GoFirst were compelled to halt about 50 aircrafts in the nation as a result of the supply chain disruption caused by P&W engines.

According to a formal statement from P&W, the US-based aerospace firm is having trouble with the supply chain when it comes to replacing engines for Indian clients.India’s low-cost carrier Indigo currently has the maximum number of aircraft engines that are going to be replaced in the coming days with around 30 aircraft in their fleet standing and waiting for an engine replacement.

In 2019 DGCA issued instructions to IndiGo and GoAir to ensure that it does not operate any Neo aircraft with two Pratt and Whitney 1100 series engines that have been used for more than 3,000 hours each. At that time GoAir had 13 such aircraft and Indigo had 16 such aircraft in 2019.

Aircraft crashes in Rajasthan

January 28, 2023, 11:42 am

An aircraft crashed in Bharatpur, Rajasthan on Saturday Police and administration have rushed to the scene, said District Collector Alok Ranjan.

Superintendent of police Shyam Singh said that the aircraft crashed in an open field in Ucchain police station area. However, it was not immediately clear whether it is a chopper or fighter plane.

Ghazipur: village mourns death of its four residents in Nepal plane crash

January 16, 2023, 12:55 pm

The recent crash of the YETI airlines ATR 72 aircraft has left the residents of Ghazipur inconsolable since four of the five Indians killed in the crash were residents of the village. The deceased, identified as Abhishek Kushwaha, Vishal Sharma, Sonu and Anil Rajbhar, ran different businesses here. They were the sole earners for their families. Chandra Maurya, the father of the late Kushwaha, said he was the only earning member of the family. The deceased used to run a public service centre.

The whole district is inconsolable, and the local shopkeepers have not opened their shops today.
“In this hour of grief, the entire region stands with the deceased’s family,” a shop owner said. The situation is the same at Vishal Sharma’s house, where villagers have gathered to share their grief.

At least 68 people were killed when the Yeti Airlines passenger plane with 72 people on board, including five Indians, crashed into a river gorge while landing at the newly-opened airport in the central resort city of Pokhara, Nepal. The Nepal government has declared a national holiday today to mourn the deaths of the people killed in the crash.

Taking to Twitter yesterday, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, “Pained by the tragic air crash in Nepal in which precious lives have been lost, including Indian nationals. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar; also expressed grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the victims.

Nepal: Black box of ATR 72 aircraft recovered from the crash

January 16, 2023, 12:11 pm

The black box from the Yeti Airlines ATR 72 aircraft has been recovered from the crash. The plane, which had 72 people on board, had crashed a day ago in Pokhara minutes before the crash. As per information from the authorities a total of 68 bodies have been recovered so far.

The black box, a flight data recorder, is crucial in understanding the cause of the crash. The Deputy Inspector General of the Nepal Armed Police Force, earlier today, said that the rescue operations were resumed to trace the four who are still missing.

“We haven’t rescued anyone alive from the crash site,” said Nepal Army Spokesperson Krishna Prasad Bhandari.

Yeti Airlines recently shared an official statement on Twitter in which it said, “In mourning for the passengers who lost their lives in the accident of Yeti Airlines 9N ANC ATR 72 500, we would like to inform you that all regular flights of Yeti Airlines for 16th January 2023 have been cancelled.”

Nepal Plane Crash: 16 killed, PM Prachanda condoles loss

January 15, 2023, 1:44 pm

On Sunday, an aircraft carrying 68 passengers and four crew members crashed in Nepal’s Pokhara. According to the spokesperson of the Nepal Army, a total of 16 bodies have been recovered from the site of the crash of a passenger aircraft. Of the 68 passengers on board, 5 were Indians.

Taking to Twitter, the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident of Yeti Airlines ANC ATR 72, which was flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara with passengers. I sincerely appeal to the security personnel, all agencies of the Nepal government and the general public to start an effective rescue.” Following the crash PM Pushpa reached the site to take updates on the situation.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also condoled the loss saying, “The loss of lives in a tragic plane crash in Nepal is extremely unfortunate. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the bereaved. Om Shanti.”

Kathmandu Post quoted a spokesperson of Yeti Airlines Sudarshan Bartaula as saying that the ATR 72 Yeti airlines aircraft crashed between the old airport and the Pokhara International Airport.
Images and videos of the crash posted on social media platforms showed plumes of smoke billowing out of the crash site.

Pilot dies after aircraft crashes into a temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa

January 6, 2023, 11:32 am

One pilot died and another was injured after a plane crashed into a temple in Rewa of Madhya Pradesh in the early hours of Friday. As per Rewa SP Navneet Bhasin, The aircraft which belonged to a private company was taxiing from Chorhata Airstrip, when it crashed after colliding with the dome of a temple in Dumri Village of Rewa district

“The plane collided with a temple during training, one pilot has died, and the other is injured and is being treated at Sanjay Gandhi Medical College,” Navneet Bhasin, SP, Rewa told ANI.

Bad weather and fog conditions prevailing in the area are being attributed as the reason for the crash.

Further information is awaited

Aircraft shaped ballon wrapped in Pakistani flag found in J&K

November 14, 2022, 3:15 pm

An aircraft-shaped balloon in Pakistani flag colours was found in the Ghagwal area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba on Sunday.

According to the information, ‘BHN’ was written on the aircraft shaped balloon found at the Bharat Petroleum Ghagwal in Samba and consequently panic was created amongst people working at that petrol pump. The security personnel working at that petrol pump took the balloon in their possession and informed the police about the same. One of the security persons working at the petrol pump informed the Police about the incident that a green and white coloured balloon was lying in the petrol pump area and after scrutinising, they found certain words in Urdu written on the balloon.

The police have initiated the investigation into the matter. On October 8, Jammu and Kashmir Police informed about a suspicious balloon recovered by them near the International Border in Kathua.

Notably, this has come days after three people including a 13-year-old girl were killed and 17 others were injured as two buses collided in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on the evening of November 10.
This accident occurred at the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.

No compromise on passenger safety says Aviation Minister Scindia on repeated snags in aircraft

July 29, 2022, 6:14 pm

In the last year, many private airlines have seen incidents of emergency landings due to technical glitches in their planes. The government and DGCA have become very strict regarding this. The DGCA has also recently directed an audit of companies, after which many major lapses have been detected.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on repeated technical snags in domestic airlines said that passenger safety is paramount for us and we cannot compromise in this matter.

“We have taken decisive actions, (regulator) DGCA has done spot checks and audits, and several actions were taken,” the civil aviation minister said in a briefing

Moreover, the Civil Aviation Minister, in a written reply, informed the Lok Sabha that a total of 478 technical glitches occurred in the last year from July 2021 to June 2022. In 2021 and 2022, there were no fatal accidents in India.

However, the DGCA has ordered SpiceJet to operate a maximum of 50 percent of flights for eight weeks, taking strict action in view of the technical fault in the aircraft. The DGCA has taken such a step as several of its aircraft had recently reported a technical fault. Along with this, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has directed all airlines to now deploy trained staff at all stations. So that the object position of the aircraft can be completely monitored.