Flight Lieutenant S Achudev

Flight Lieutenant S. Achudev was born on 22 May 1991 in Kerala. From a young age, he displayed a strong sense of determination and a passion for flying, which eventually led him to pursue a career in the Indian Air Force. Over the years, he evolved into a skilled and dedicated fighter pilot, gaining valuable experience in operating various aircraft and undertaking complex flying missions. By 2017, Flt Lt Achudev was posted to a frontline fighter squadron operating the Sukhoi Su-30 aircraft at 11 Wing, Air Force Station Tezpur in Assam. Strategically located approximately 172 kilometers from the India–China border, Tezpur is one of the Indian Air Force’s key forward airbases, playing a vital role in maintaining operational readiness and safeguarding the nation’s northeastern frontiers. The Sukhoi Su-30 is a formidable, Russian-origin, twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft designed for all-weather operations. It is capable of executing both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions with exceptional precision and versatility. Equipped with advanced avionics, long-range capability, and superior maneuverability, the Su-30 forms a crucial part of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet. First inducted into the IAF in the late 1990s, the aircraft has significantly enhanced India’s aerial combat strength.

Serving with such an operationally critical squadron, Flt Lt Achudev regularly undertook intensive training sorties and operational exercises. These missions were designed to simulate real combat scenarios, ensuring that pilots remain proficient, mission-ready, and capable of responding effectively to any emerging threat. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence reflected the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Operational Flying Task: 23 May 2017

On 23 May 2017, at around 10:30 AM, Flight Lieutenant S. Achudev, along with Squadron Leader D. Pankaj, took off from Air Force Station Tezpur in a Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft. The sortie was part of an operational training mission, where the pilots were tasked to execute a series of complex flying maneuvers and standard operational procedures in a two-aircraft formation—an essential component of maintaining combat readiness in the Indian Air Force.At approximately 11:10 AM, while flying over the Doulasang area of Arunachal Pradesh, close to the India–China border, the aircraft lost radar contact. The sudden loss of communication raised immediate concern, prompting the launch of a large-scale search and rescue operation involving the Indian Air Force, the Army, and local civil authorities. After sustained efforts over the next few days, the wreckage of the aircraft was located on 26 May 2017 during an aerial reconnaissance mission. It was found deep inside dense forest terrain, nearly 60 kilometers from Tezpur, making access to the crash site extremely difficult. Initial search teams recovered a few personal effects, including a blood-stained shoe, a partially burnt PAN card, and a wallet belonging to one of the pilots. Subsequently, the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (black box) was also recovered by joint teams comprising personnel from the Air Force, Army, and civil administration.

Analysis of the Flight Data Recorder and other evidence from the crash site indicated that Flight Lieutenant Achudev was unable to eject before the crash. Tragically, he succumbed to the impact, leading to the loss of a young and professionally competent fighter pilot. His untimely demise was a significant loss to the Indian Air Force and the nation. Flight Lieutenant S. Achudev was a proud air warrior and a dedicated soldier who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. His commitment, courage, and devotion to service reflect the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. He will always be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.

Flt Lt S Achudev is survived by his father Shri Sehdevan, mother Smt Jaysree Prayankavil,  and sister Anushri Mahadevan.

Achu and I..

We were made to sit together in class for a whole year by the class teacher.. he was a restless guy in class.. short-tempered too. you’d never know what made Achu angry.. and obviously, we fought a lot.. but then we were kids, so it was only natural that we fought... I’ve visited his home near pongumoodu a couple of times. I still remember playing Contra on his TV video game machine.. cycling around the pond in front of his home.. a slim weak guy he was.. .

When Achu left Loyola school for RIMC in the 8th standard I never thought he would grow into a confident, gentle and yet so light-hearted person.. his arms felt so strong when I shook hands with him during our school get together.. without any exaggeration let me confess that his mere presence inspired me to be more like him.. after achu had left that day 2 or 3 of us kept talking about how much Achu had changed from his school days at Loyola.. he was so smart that a few days later I remember mentioning about him to even one of my students in some conversation..