Sukhoi-30MKI Crash in Assam: What Led to the Fighter Jet Accident That Killed Two IAF Pilots?

A Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in Karbi Anglong, killing both pilots on board. The accident was confirmed on Friday, a day after the jet went missing during a routine training sortie from Jorhat.

The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat airbase for a training mission when contact with ground controllers was suddenly lost. Officials said communication with the aircraft ended at around 7:42 pm on Thursday, after which it disappeared from radar. A search and rescue operation was immediately launched across the hilly and forested terrain of Karbi Anglong district.

The two pilots flying the aircraft were Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The Air Force later confirmed that both officers died in the crash.

In a message posted on social media, the Indian Air Force expressed condolences to the families of the pilots. The force said its personnel stand firmly with the bereaved families during the difficult time.

#BREAKING : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed that both pilots involved in last night’s Su-30 fighter jet crash in Assam were unable to eject before the aircraft went down.

The pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh.#SU30MKI… pic.twitter.com/d2EsGjoKAl

— upuknews (@upuknews1) March 6, 2026

How the Crash Was Located

Local residents in Karbi Anglong reported hearing a loud explosion in the hills on Thursday evening. Some villagers said they had seen an aircraft descending before the blast.

These accounts helped narrow the search area, allowing rescue teams to focus their efforts. The wreckage was eventually located in a remote area roughly 60 kilometres from the Jorhat airbase.

Search teams from the Indian Air Force and other agencies reached the crash site to secure the area and begin recovery operations.

IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/zUtfUJ2ewr

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2026

Investigation Likely Into Cause

Officials have not yet released details about the cause of the crash. Investigators are expected to analyse the wreckage and examine flight data to determine whether the accident was caused by technical failure, operational factors or weather conditions.

The Su-30MKI is a twin-seat, multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russian aerospace company Sukhoi and customised for the Indian Air Force. It forms a key part of India's frontline combat fleet and is used for air superiority missions, ground attack operations and training sorties.

Part of a Larger Fleet

India operates one of the largest fleets of Sukhoi-30MKI fighters in the world, with the aircraft serving as a backbone of the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities.

Because of the aircraft's importance, every accident involving the fighter jet is examined carefully to understand operational risks and improve flight safety.

Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident to determine what exactly led to the tragic crash that claimed the lives of the two pilots.