Body of MiG-29K pilot found near Goa

Chennai: The body of the missing pilot of the MiG-29K, that went down in the Arabian Sea on 26 November, has been reportedly found.

According to sources, a human body has been found 30 miles off the coast of Goa on the sea bed 70 metres below water after an extensive search mission.

“The samples are being sent for DNA testing for confirmation of identity”, a statement from the Indian Navy, which believes it to be that of missing pilot Commander Nishant Singh.

Earlier on 29 November, some of the debris of the crashed MiG-29K aircraft, was found.

“Some debris of the aircraft, including landing gear, turbocharger, fuel tank engine and wing engine cowling had been located,” the Navy had said.

This dimmed the hopes of rescue personnel who were hoping that the pilot ejected himself moments before the crash.

After the aircraft went down, an extensive search operation was conducted, even as the other trainee pilot had been rescued.

“Underwater search by divers and sea bed mapping using specialised equipment in the vicinity of primary wreckage of MiG-29K was undertaken,” a Defence release said.

The officials confirmed that the jet had taken off for a sortie from India’s only aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. MiG-29K, the Russian-origin fighter planes – operate from the deck of INS Vikramaditya, which had taken part in the recent Malabar naval drills involving the Quad navies of US, Australia, India and Japan.