Missing MiG: Sorties over Samchi Hill spot nothing

The Indian Air Force today conducted two sorties over Samchi Hills after receiving information that the missing MiG-27 had been spotted in the jungles, but came back without any sightings.

Earlier in the day, Air Headquarters received word from IG North Bengal Bagish Mishra, that the wreckage had been spotted by locals in Samchi area in Bhutan. As a part of its efforts to locate the missing aircraft, the IAF had also dropped leaflets, appealing to locals to pass on any information regarding the wreckage.

According to IAF sources, flights have been ordered over the Samchi Hills while a team could also be flown in to check the site on foot if the overflights reveal any tell-tale signs.

And with today8217;s flights returning without news on wreckage, fate of the pilot, Flt Lt Sinha continues to be grim. While the IAF has officially designated him as missing, sources say there is little hope of Sinha8217;s survival.