Are Chinese Jets Behind Aviation Disasters In Bangladesh? A Look At BAF Crashes In Last 30 Years
News18
Bangladesh witnessed one of its deadliest aviation disasters in recent history when a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into Milestone School & College in Dhaka's Uttara area on Monday, killing 25 people and injuring more than 170 others.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) attributed the crash to a 'mechanical failure" after take off, saying that the pilot made every effort to divert the aircraft away from densely populated areas in vain. A high-level investigation committee has been set up to probe the cause of the accident.
Bangladesh Air Force has witnessed at least 27 fighter jet and aircraft crashes since 1992, which have contributed to growing concerns over flight safety. This crash is the deadliest so far. According to data, Chinese-manufactured aircraft have topped the list in terms of accidents.
Dhaka Tribune.
November 23, 2018: A Chinese F-7BG crashed in Madhupur, Tangail. Wing Commander Arif Ahmed Dipu died after ejecting.
July 1, 2018: A Chinese-Pakistani K-8W trainer crashed near Jessore during night training. Two Squadron Leaders died in the crash.
December 27, 2017: Two Russian Yak‑130 jets collided mid-air over Maheshkhali Island in Cox's Bazar. All four pilots ejected safely.
July 11, 2017: Another Yak-130 crashed during a training exercise in Lohagara, Chattogram, but both pilots survived.
June 29, 2015: A Chinese F‑7MB disappeared into the Bay of Bengal off Chattogram. Flight Lieutenant Tahmid went missing in the crash and was presumed dead.
April 8, 2012: A Czechoslovakian Aero L‑39 trainer crashed in Madhupur, Tangail. Pilot Officer Shariful Haque died, while Squadron Leader Rashid was injured.
December 20, 2010: Two Chinese PT‑6 training aircraft crashed near Barisal Airport and both squadron leaders died in the incident.
April 8, 2008: A Chinese F‑7 crashed in Ghatail, Tangail, and Squadron Leader Morshed Hasan died after ejecting.
Are Chinese Aircraft Behind These Crashes?
Most of the aircraft involved in these crashes were FT-7, PT-6, and F-7MB models, which are primarily manufactured in China. A former Bangladesh Air Force officer told the Dhaka Tribune that Chinese aircraft are one of the main reasons behind these repeated crashes, yet they are still being used due to various constraints.
The Bangladesh Air Force reportedly has around 40 Chinese F-7 fighters. The first batch was delivered around 1998. Even though Bangladesh is trying to procure aircraft from Russia and Europe, Chinese F-7 units continue to dominate the force's training units.
The Chinese F-7 jet is the export version of its J-7 model, a lightweight and single-engine fighter jet based on the Soviet MiG-21. It was developed as early as 1961 after a technology transfer agreement between China and the Soviet Union. It remains one of China's most widely exported aircraft, although they have faced several issues over the years, including ageing design, maintenance challenges and high accident rate.
Other Issues
Apart from Chinese aircraft, human errors and external factors like bird strikes have also contributed to BAF accidents. Many experts believe unplanned urbanisation – including the presence of high-rise buildings within the aircraft marker line – is a key factor behind such crashes.
An expert stated that Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, who was piloting the aircraft that crashed on Monday, was approaching the inner landing zone. However, the area, which should have been kept clear, was occupied by an ongoing urban development project.
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