Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashes in Chittagong, pilot missing

An F-7 fighter aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force has crashed into the sea after taking off from the BAF Base Zahurul Haque, next to Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong.

The pilot of the F-7 fighter, Flight Lieutenant ‘Tahmid’, is reported missing, Chittagong airport’s manager Wing Commander Nur E Alam told bdnews24.com.

 

The F-7 was used as a training aircraft. 

 

The control tower lost contact with the aircraft at 11:10am. At 11:45am it was confirmed that the plane had crashed into the sea, he said.

 

Wing Commander Alam said the F-7 aircraft crashed into the sea six miles off the Patenga beach.

 

The air force, navy and the Chittagong port authorities have launched a joint rescue operation, said Alam.

Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate Assistant Director Nur Islam told bdnews24.com, “We are not yet certain as to how the plane went missing. A probe committee will be formed to ascertain the cause.”

 

He refused to give further details, saying a press release would be issued later.