Third F-7 Aircraft crash in Bangladesh; lack of systematic changes cited as cause

A Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed at Milestone School and College in Diabari, Uttara, Dhaka, killing 19 people, including the pilot, and injuring over 150 others. This marks the third crash involving the F-7 single-cockpit multi-role fighter aircraft in Bangladesh.

The military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) office reported that the F-7 BGI training jet crashed shortly after takeoff at 1:24 PM on Monday, July 21. The aircraft struck a building at the school, causing a fire. Of the casualties, 18 have been confirmed dead, while 164 injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals. Most of the victims are students of Milestone School.

The F-7 BGI is a Chinese-made Chengdu J-7 series fighter jet, manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. This advanced model was specially developed for the Bangladesh Air Force. China discontinued production of the J-7 series after supplying these jets.

This is the third major accident involving this model in Bangladesh. In November 2018, an F-7 BGI crashed during a training exercise at the Rasulpur firing range in Madhupur, Tangail, killing Wing Commander Arif Ahmed Dipu. In November 2021, an F-7 MB crashed into the Bay of Bengal shortly after takeoff from the Zahurul Haque base in Chattogram, killing Flight Lieutenant Tahmid. This time, Squadron Leader Toukir Islam Sagar was also among the deceased.

The F-7 BGI features multiple technological upgrades over previous models, including three multifunctional displays and a more powerful fire-control radar. Bangladesh signed a contract with China in 2011 for 16 of these aircraft, which were delivered by 2013.

The Bangladesh Air Force operates a total of 36 F-7 fighter jets, mostly F-7 BGI variants, along with some F-7 MB and FT-7 variants. These lightweight multi-role fighters can reach speeds of Mach 2.2 and carry air-to-air missiles, laser-guided and GPS-guided bombs, along with extra fuel tanks and weapons on five hardpoints. Their maximum payload capacity is approximately 1,500 kilograms.

The cockpit accommodates a single pilot and is fully glass-covered. The F-7 BGI uses the KLJ-6F radar and can fly up to 17,500 meters (57,420 feet). It is known for superior maneuverability compared to many contemporary fighter jets, with an operational range of roughly 1,400 kilometers.

Flight Lieutenant Towkir was flying solo and undergoing transition training from the K-8 to the F-7 aircraft. Although this was a training flight, the aircraft itself is not classified as a training plane.

Experts attribute the crash to the failure to implement systematic changes and lessons from previous accidents. They argue that had these issues been addressed after earlier incidents, this tragic event could have been prevented.