An IAF MiG-23 combat aircraft crashed during a routine training exercise at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan this morning, killing its pilot. Flight Lieutenant Bharat Kumar was killed when the MiG-23 spun out of control and crashed into the range. According to an IAF spokesperson, the accident occurred at 9.30 am after the aircraft took off from the Jaisalmer air force station. The spokesperson said that a court of inquiry has been instituted to find out the cause of the accident.It is learnt that the aircraft was carrying 500 pounds of ammunition at the time of the crash. According to South Western Air Command sources, after the testing range safety officer lost radio contact with the pilot, they saw a couple of flashes followed by an explosion which preceded the crash. Sources said the aircraft has been completely destroyed and it would be difficult to ascertain what caused the explosion.Pokhran is where the IAF plans to hold its ‘Millenium Shakti’, a demonstration of its air power, in March. According to IAF officials, squadrons have already been sent to the relevant air bases to train at the Pokhran range to prepare for the exercise next month.
