Sea Harrier crashes in Goa, pilot dies

A naval Sea Harrier fighter aircraft crashed this morning at Goa’s Dabolim airport killing its pilot Lt Commander H S Pannu. The aircra...

A naval Sea Harrier fighter aircraft crashed this morning at Goa’s Dabolim airport killing its pilot Lt Commander H S Pannu. The aircraft on a full-thrust take-off roll, veered off the runway and smashed into a compound wall before bursting into flames.

The pilot lost directional control when the engine was on full reheat mode, crashing into a wall and landing in a field very close to a railway line in thickly populated Bogmalo area. Air traffic was closed at Dabolim airport till 2.30 this afternoon.

A five-member special committee, including engineers who specialise in the workings of the Sea Harriers at INS Hansa, the country’s premier Naval aviation base, has been sent to investigate the crash.

Over 10 Harriers have crashed since they were purchased in 1984.

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Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area Shekar Sinha said the jet was part of the second batch of aircraft received from UK in 1988-89.

Sea Harriers, purchased from UK over two decades ago, operate both in Dabolim and also, their primary role, off the deck of INS Viraat aircraft carrier.

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