Seven IAF crashes in six months

New Delhi, Mar 10: Six fighter aircrafts and one helicopter of Indian Air Force (IAF) have crashed since September, 2009, with preliminary causes identified as human error / technical defects.

"Every IAF aircraft accident is investigated by a Court of Inquiry and remedial measures taken thereon," Defence Minister AK Antony said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

He informed that various measures to reduce aircraft accidents including operational risk management, crew resource management and improvised training on aviation safety have been implemented to generate a safer flying culture. Visit of all flying bases by senior aviation safety functionaries of IAF have been undertaken to apprise and caution operating units about the causes of accidents. Continuous and multi-faceted effort is always underway to enhance and upgrade flight safety.

Constant interaction with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), both indigenous and foreign, is also maintained to overcome the technical defects of aircraft. In addition anti-bird measures are also undertaken, the minister added.