PANAJI: The quick thinking actions of commanding officer of the
White Tigers Captain
Mrigank Sheokhand and
lieutenent Commander Deepak Yadav continued to draw praise. Union minister of state for defence
Shripad Naik on Sunday lauded the efforts of the two
Indian Navy pilots for putting the safety of local residents above their own safety.
The MiG-29KUB aircraft, attached to INS Hansa base in Dabolim, finally crashed on a rocky plateau near Verna village on Saturday after both pilots guided the flaming jet towards the barren patch of land.
“Brave work done by MiG-29k twin seater aircraft pilots Capt M Sheokhand and Lt Cdr Deepak Yadav by showing presence of mind and by pointing the aircraft away from the populated areas and ejecting safely. May God give them health and success,” said Naik.
The MiG 29K was flying with 3000 tonnes of fuel when it took off and struck a flock of birds. While one engine flamed out, the right engine caught fire due to the bird hit.
District Collector Ajit Roy informed reporters that a sub-divisional magistrate had witnessed the stricken aircraft with its engine ablaze. “He told me that he could see that the plane was out of control and on fire but the pilots were still trying to fly the plane,” said Roy.