Pilot Error Identified in Bangladesh Fighter Jet School Crash

The government of Bangladesh has officially attributed the tragic crash of a fighter jet into a school in Dhaka to pilot error. The incident, which occurred on July 21, 2023, resulted in the deaths of 36 people, marking it as the country’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades. The Chinese-made F-7 BJI aircraft struck the private Milestone School and College shortly after students had been released for the day.

Following a thorough investigation, the findings of a committee report were presented to the interim leader, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, on November 5, 2023. According to Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary for Yunus, the report highlighted a critical error during the pilot’s take-off phase. The military had previously reported that the 27-year-old pilot was on a routine training mission when he encountered mechanical failure, prompting him to attempt to divert the aircraft from populous areas. Unfortunately, the jet crashed into the school building, leading to widespread injuries.

The incident caused injuries to over 170 individuals, many of whom suffered severe burns. The crash ignited public outrage and calls for the air force to relocate its training operations away from densely populated areas like Dhaka. Initial responses from the air force maintained that having a base in the capital was strategically essential.

In light of the report’s findings, the air force may need to reconsider its training protocols. The committee recommended that future training exercises be conducted outside of Dhaka to mitigate the risk to civilian life. Additionally, it urged the Civil Aviation Authority to enforce regulations preventing the construction of facilities such as hospitals and schools near airports, enhancing safety for local communities.

The aftermath of the crash has raised significant concerns about aviation safety and the impact of military operations in urban areas. As Bangladesh navigates this crisis, the government faces mounting pressure to implement changes that prioritize public safety while balancing military needs.