SOURCE: AFI
Pierre Henri Chuet, a former fighter pilot in the French Navy, widely recognized for his experience with iconic aircraft like the Rafale Marine and Super Etendard, recently shared his thoughts on the crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29UPG fighter that occurred last month. The incident involved the aircraft entering a flat spin, a phenomenon that led to the ejection of the pilot. Chuet, reflecting on the event, emphasized key aspects of aircraft ejection protocols, pilot safety, and the mechanics of handling high-stakes situations in combat aviation.
Chuet began by stressing that twin-engine aircraft, like the MiG-29UPG, inherently possess a lower risk of catastrophic failure compared to single-engine planes. He noted that while twin-engine jets are generally more stable, incidents like flat spins demand immediate action. The MiG-29UPG pilot, in this case, was able to eject after ensuring that the plane was not over populated areas, a crucial decision in preventing civilian casualties.
He further explained the mechanics of pilot ejection, specifically how a parachute plays a pivotal role in the survival process. The MiG-29UPG pilot was able to separate from the aircraft in time, deploying his parachute effectively. Chuet explained that the color of parachutes—white, green, beige, and orange—serve a strategic purpose. In certain environments, such as deserts or snow-covered terrain, pilots can use parachutes to either blend in or attract attention from rescue teams depending on their situation. This visual strategy can be crucial when a pilot finds himself behind enemy lines or in a hostile environment.
Ejecting from a jet, especially in a flat spin, is not a simple task. The pilot must contend with significant forces and a rapid descent. Chuet pointed out that ejecting from an aircraft in a flat spin, as seen in this incident, is particularly hazardous due to the high vertical speed (3,000 meters per minute or more). In such cases, the ejection seat must overcome the forces of the plane’s rapid descent to ensure the pilot’s safety. This highlights why it is crucial for pilots to eject while still at a high enough altitude, often above 10,000 feet, to avoid the risk of collision with the ground.
Chuet also explained the importance of training and preparedness in such high-pressure moments. While pilots undergo initial ejection training, the reality of ejection in combat conditions—often after years without practicing parachute deployment—can be daunting. The MiG-29UPG pilot’s success in ejecting under these extreme conditions underscores the significance of both mental preparedness and experience.
The official statement by the Indian Army suggested that the MiG-29UPG pilot directed the plane away from areas of dense population before ejecting. Chuet, however, raised questions about the feasibility of this claim. He noted that, given the limited time and high vertical speed associated with such crashes, it is extremely difficult for a pilot to ensure that a plane will avoid causing harm to people on the ground once control is lost. He argued that while the pilot might have tried to steer the aircraft in a safe direction, there’s no guarantee the plane would not strike buildings or other structures below.
Chuet also commented on the IAF’s ongoing modernization of its fleet, which includes a mix of older aircraft like the MiG-21, as well as advanced platforms like the Rafale. He noted that the IAF is operating a heterogeneous fleet, with significant challenges in maintaining aging aircraft while incorporating more advanced systems. This mix of older and newer equipment adds complexity to fleet management, maintenance, and overall operational readiness.