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Pilot Ejection

IAF Tejas Aircraft Suffers Landing Damage In Third Incident Since 2024 SEO DES: Reportedly, while returning from training mission the aircraft had a landing issue, veered off the runway but the pilot ejected safely without serious injuries SOCIAL: An Indian Air Force HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft sustained significant damage during a training sortie on February 7, 2026, after a landing issue led to a runway excursion. The pilot ejected safely without serious injuries, and no casualties were reported on the ground. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry and initiated technical inspections across sections of the fleet, marking the third Tejas-related incident since 2024. The aircraft programme remains central to India’s combat fleet modernisation plans, including induction of the upgraded Mk1A variant. New Delhi, India: An Indian Air Force (IAF) HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft sustained significant damage during a training sortie on February 7, 2026, after encountering a problem while landing at a frontline air base, PTI reported. This marks the third incident involving a Tejas aircraft in recent years, following the March 2024 accident near Jaisalmer and the November 2025 Dubai Airshow crash. The aircraft had completed a routine training mission when it experienced an issue on approach and rollout, leading to a runway excursion. The pilot ejected safely as a precautionary measure and escaped without serious injuries. Authorities confirmed that the fighter suffered substantial damage to its airframe, though there were no reports of casualties on the ground. Following the incident, the IAF ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the precise cause. Technical teams have begun detailed examinations of the aircraft’s systems, including landing and braking mechanisms, to establish whether the incident stemmed from a mechanical malfunction, systems anomaly, or another operational factor. As part of established safety protocols, the service has also initiated comprehensive checks across sections of the Tejas fleet to rule out any systemic concerns. The Tejas programme, developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), remains central to the IAF’s fleet modernisation efforts. The latest runway incident comes at a time when the force is progressing with induction plans for the upgraded Mk1A variant, even as production timelines and technical milestones remain under close review. Additionally, on February 5, 2026, industry reports confirmed that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) did not progress to the next stage of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) stealth fighter programme after failing to clear the initial technical evaluation. This move marks a significant shift in the execution model of the project, which aims to deliver India’s first indigenous fifth-generation combat aircraft. This is the first occasion that HAL, a state-owned aerospace and defence manufacturer, will not lead or participate in the prototype phase of one of India’s flagship combat aircraft programmes, emphasising a strategic pivot toward private sector leadership in high-technology defence projects. Previous Incidents Involving Tejas March 12, 2024 – Near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan On March 12, 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed during an operational sortie near Jaisalmer. The pilot ejected safely. The incident marked the first accident involving the aircraft since its induction into service and led to a technical investigation. November 21, 2025 – Dubai Airshow On November 21, 2025, a Tejas aircraft participating in an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow was involved in a fatal accident during a manoeuvre at low altitude. The pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, was killed. A Court of Inquiry was instituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

IAF Tejas Aircraft Suffers Landing Damage In Third Incident Since 2024

Aviation Today News Desk / February 23, 2026

New Delhi, India: An Indian Air Force (IAF) HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft sustained significant damage during a training sortie […]

California, United States: An F‑16C Fighting Falcon from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration squadron crashed in the Mojave Desert near Trona Airport on December 3, 2025, during a routine training flight. The pilot ejected safely and is in stable condition, according to U.S. Air Force officials. The crash occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. PST. The aircraft was part of a scheduled training sortie over controlled airspace. Video footage shared on social media shows the jet descending rapidly before the pilot ejected, followed by a large plume of smoke from the desert impact site. Emergency crews from the San Bernardino County Fire Department responded to the crash. The pilot was transported to a local hospital in Ridgecrest with non-life-threatening injuries. "The pilot ejected safely and is receiving medical care," said a spokesperson for the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office. “The incident is under investigation.” The U.S. Air Force confirmed the crash but did not release further details regarding the cause or the pilot's identity. Authorities are investigating whether the crash resulted from mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors. No injuries to civilians were reported, and the area was secured by local authorities to contain any hazards from jet fuel or debris. The Thunderbirds are the Air Force’s premier demonstration squadron, flying high-performance F‑16 aircraft in precise aerobatic displays. While accidents are rare, the high-speed, high-risk nature of training and demonstration flights carries inherent dangers. The Trona area and surrounding Mojave Desert are frequently used for military training exercises, including flight maneuvers and weapons testing, due to the controlled airspace and remote location. The 57th Wing is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. A final report, expected in the coming weeks, will determine the cause and issue recommendations to prevent similar incidents.

Aircraft Crashes

U.S. Air Force F‑16 Thunderbird Crashes Near Trona, California, Pilot Ejects Safely

Aviation Today News Desk / December 4, 2025

California, United States: An F‑16C Fighting Falcon from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration squadron crashed in the Mojave Desert

Kuantan, Malaysia: A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet caught fire during take-off at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport on Thursday night, prompting both pilots to eject seconds before the aircraft crashed. The incident, which occurred around 9:05 pm, temporarily shut down the airport’s runway and disrupted several commercial flights. The RMAF confirmed in a statement that the twin-seat Hornet suffered a fire during its take-off roll at Kuantan Air Base. “Both pilots successfully ejected and were immediately transported to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital for medical observation,” the Air Force said. Witnesses described the terrifying moment as the aircraft burst into flames, sending smoke billowing into the night sky. One resident said that two loud explosions “sounded like missile strikes” and could be heard nearly a kilometre away. A video of the incident, widely circulated on social media, shows the Hornet engulfed in flames as it attempted to lift off the runway before both crew members ejected. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) declared a temporary “Code Black” runway closure following the accident. In a statement CAAM said the runway would remain shut until 1 pm on Friday, August 22, to facilitate debris clearance and safety checks. The closure affected several scheduled services, including Malaysia Airlines flights MH1268 and MH1269, and Scoot flights TR0470 and TR0471. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for rebooking arrangements. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended his well-wishes to the pilots and urged a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire. “This incident must be studied thoroughly to ensure the safety of our airmen and the reliability of our defence assets,” Anwar said, as quoted by Malay Mail. The RMAF has launched a formal probe into the accident. No casualties were reported on the ground, and authorities confirmed that the fire was contained within the air base perimeter. The Boeing F/A-18D Hornet is one of the RMAF’s frontline multirole fighters, acquired in the 1990s. The aircraft has seen extensive service, including participation in regional exercises and maritime patrols. The fleet is currently undergoing phased upgrades as part of Malaysia’s defence modernisation plan. While the immediate priority remains the health of the two aircrew, the investigation will focus on determining whether a mechanical failure, engine malfunction, or other technical issues caused the fire. The findings are expected to inform future operational safety measures for the RMAF’s combat fleet. In a separate incident a month ago, five police officers were injured when their AS355N helicopter crashed into the Pulai River during a nuclear security exercise in Johor. Two officers remain in critical condition and are receiving respiratory support in the Intensive Care Unit at Sultanah Aminah Hospital. The remaining three officers are stable. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed the crash occurred near the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Jetty in Gelang Patah.

Military Aviation

Malaysian Air Force Hornet Catches Fire During Take-Off, Both Pilots Survive

Aviation Today News Desk / August 22, 2025

Kuantan, Malaysia: A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet caught fire during take-off at Sultan Haji Ahmad

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