Air Force pilot succumbs to injury after training jet crashes near Ctg port

A Bangladesh Air Force pilot died while undergoing treatment at a hospital after being injured in a trainer aircraft crash in Chattogram today (9 May). Another pilot involved in the crash also suffered injuries.

The YAK130 aircraft of the Air Force crashed into the Karnaphuli River behind the Patenga Container Terminal around 10:30am due to a mechanical glitch.

Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (Port Zone) Shakila Soltana told TBS that one of the pilots, Squadron Leader Asim Jawad, 32, passed away at around 12:30pm while being treated at a medical facility in Isaa Khan Naval base. 

She said the other injured pilot, Wing Commander Suhan Hasan Khan, is currently undergoing treatment at the medical facility of BAF Base Zahurul Haque.

Kabirul Islam, officer-in-charge of Patenga police station, said both pilots successfully ejected from the aircraft using parachutes and were subsequently rescued by local sailors, albeit injured. They were taken to medical facilities immediately.

Taslim Ahmed, director of Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram, told TBS, "The aircraft departed from runway 206 at 10:06am for a routine training exercise. Upon detecting a mechanical glitch, we initiated all necessary preparations for its landing. However, the aircraft crashed into the Karnaphuli River before that.

"There was a risk of significant damage had the aircraft crashed within the airport vicinity. It is presumed that the pilots lost control of the aircraft."

A tugboat MT Jubilee Doa was anchored next to jetty No 11 of the Karnaphuli River, a few yards away from the crash site.

Mizanur Rahman, the engine officer of the boat, recounted, "I was aboard the tugboat. Upon hearing a loud noise, I quickly exited the boat and saw the aircraft engulfed in flames. Two individuals parachuted from the aircraft. The plane fragmented into three parts and descended into the river."

Mohammad Roni, one of the sailors who rescued the pilots, told TBS, "One of the pilots parachuted onto the west bank of the Karnaphuli River, while the other landed on the South bank. We rescued both the pilots and took them to the Chittagong Boat Club. Navy personnel then took them to hospital."

The Inter-Service Public Relations division of the Armed Forces issued a statement yesterday, saying a probe committee has been formed over the incident.

The deceased Squadron Leader Md Asim Jawad, son of Aman Ullah, was born on 20 March 1992 at Gopalpur in Saturia upazila of Manikganj.

Asim completed his SSC from Savar Cantonment Public School in 2007, and HSC from Savar Cantonment Public College in 2009. He obtained a BSc from Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2012.

He joined the Bangladesh Air Force on 10 January 2010. At the time of his passing, Asim was 32 years old. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son.

3 Air Force planes crashed in last 14 years

Previously in June 2015, an F-7 fighter aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into the sea after taking off from the BAF Base Zahurul Haque. The missing pilot, Flight Lieutenant Tahmid, could not be found.

On 10 October 2011, a fighter plane of the Air Force crashed into Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram. Flight Lt Muntasin managed to eject from the plane.

On 23 September 2010, another fighter jet crashed into the Karnaphuli near Patenga Boat Club. Pilot Flight Lieutenant Ahmed Sanjid escaped by ejecting.