New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Thirty-four service personnel have been killed in 56 military aircraft crashes in the past four years, parliament was informed Monday.
Of these, five aircraft crashes and one helicopter crash had been recorded till July 2 in the current financial year that began April 1, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Of the accidents, 37 involved aircraft while 19 helicopters also crashed.

Giving the breakup, Antony said nine aircraft and five helicopters had crashed in 2006-07, 12/5 in 2007-08 and 11/8 in 2008-09.

“Thirty-four service personnel were killed in these accidents. There was no loss of civil life. The loss to civil property amounted to Rs.632,047,” Antony said.

“The major reasons for aircraft accidents in the defence forces are human errors and technical defects,” he added.

“In each case of accident, an investigation is carried out and appropriate remedial actions are taken. Besides, a continuous and multi-faceted effort is always underway in the defence forces to enhance and upgrade flight safety,” the minister said.

“Measures to enhance the quality of training to improve the skill levels, ability to exercise sound judgment and situational awareness of pilots are being pursued. Constant interaction with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), both indigenous and foreign, is also maintained to overcome the technical defects of aircraft,” Antony added.

In the latest accident, 13 army and air force personnel were killed when an IAF AN-32 transport aircraft crashed in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh June 10.

The wreckage and the bodies could be recovered only the next day.