By Girish Linganna

Mar 14: On March 12th, an Indian Tejas fighter jet (SP24/LA- 5020) crashed near a hostel complex in Rajasthan. The pilot ejected safely, but the crash raises questions about the cause.This is the first ever crash of Tejas in its 23 Years Operational history.

The recently built plane, which had its first flight in March 2021, is causing worries about what led to the crash.

The crash has raised doubts about the previously untarnished safety record of the Tejas aircraft fleet. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a Court of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate the incident, but it is unlikely that the findings will be disclosed to the public.

Initial reports suggest engine failure, but a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact factors involved.

Investigating the Crash

Securing the Site: The immediate priority is to secure the crash site and ensure the safety of first responders and any potential survivors. Access to the site is strictly controlled, and investigators identify potential hazards like unexploded ordnance, fuel spills, or other dangerous materials.

Initial Documentation: Investigators gather extensive photographs, videos, and witness accounts. They also examine ground markings to help determine the aircraft's trajectory and angle of impact.

Collecting Critical Data: Recovering flight recordings and maintenance logs is crucial. Investigators also collect weather and environmental data.

Wreckage Examination: Wreckage is carefully examined for signs of malfunction and to identify major components involved in the crash.

Pilot Factors: Investigators examine the pilot's medical history, training records, and recent flight history to assess any potential human factors.

Potential Causes of Engine Failure

Military jet engines operate under extreme stress, making them susceptible to various failure modes:

Foreign Object Damage (FOD): Debris ingested into the engine can severely damage critical components.
Mechanical Issues: Wear and tear or manufacturing defects can lead to component failures.
Fuel-Related Issues: Contamination or fuel starvation can cause engine malfunctions.
Component Failures: Bird strikes, compressor stalls, or turbine blade fractures can lead to engine issues.
Pilot Error: Improper engine management or maneuvers exceeding limits can stress the engine.
Environmental Factors: Extreme weather or volcanic ash can affect engine performance.
Maintenance Errors: Improper procedures or missed inspections can lead to problems later.

Conclusion

Military aircraft engines are complex machines essential for safe and effective flight. While they are rigorously designed and maintained, failures can still occur. The investigation into the Tejas crash will provide crucial insights into how such accidents happen and ultimately help strengthen the safety and reliability of India's fighter jet fleet.

(The author Girish Linganna of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)