An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crash in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on March 5, 2026 claimed the lives of two serving pilots who were flying the aircraft during a routine training mission. The crash occurred in a hilly forested region nearly 60 kilometres from Jorhat Air Force Station, where the aircraft had taken off earlier in the evening.
The Indian Air Force confirmed that Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
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
Who were the pilots on board?
Squadron Leader Anuj was a senior fighter pilot serving in the Indian Air Force and was operating the aircraft during the training sortie. Squadron Leader is a key operational rank in the IAF, typically held by experienced pilots responsible for flying frontline combat aircraft and leading operational missions.
The second pilot, Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, was also an active fighter pilot serving in the IAF. Flight Lieutenant is a mid-level commissioned officer rank in the Air Force, often responsible for flying combat aircraft and participating in operational and training missions.
Both officers were part of the crew flying the Su-30MKI, India’s frontline multirole fighter jet used for air dominance, strike missions and advanced training.
IAF expresses condolences
In an official statement, the Indian Air Force said it “acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash.” The force also expressed deep condolences and said it stands with the families of the officers during this difficult time.
Investigation underway
The aircraft had lost radar contact around 7:42 PM IST shortly after departing from Jorhat Air Force Station. Residents in nearby villages reported hearing a loud explosion before the wreckage was located by search teams.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by the IAF to determine the cause of the accident. Investigators will examine technical factors, operational conditions and environmental elements that may have led to the crash.
The Su-30MKI remains one of the most important fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force fleet, with around 260 aircraft currently in service.