Air Force denies grounding of Mig-29s after crash
Dated 3/10/2006
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Reports about the two Adampur based Mig-29 fighter squadrons being defunct by a leading daily have been refuted by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Following the crash of a Mig-29 near Ambala on September 29, it was reported that the Mig-29 fighter aircraft in the two bases have been grounded. IAF Public Relation Officer, Wing Commander Mahesh Upasani, said in New Delhi today that flying in the two bases was suspended for a day as the court of inquiry was in progress. Flying will resume by evening.
The aircraft was on a training sortie when it came down due to engine failure, though its pilot Squadron Leader Naik, ejected safely. The possibility of adulterated fuel being used leading to the engine fault is being looked into.
The Mig-29s considered being one of the safest fighters in the Mig series in the IAF's inventory, saw its second crash this year and the eighth since its induction two decades ago.
