Pilot Officer Ritul Srivastava

 

During 1997,  Plt Offr Ritul Srivastava was serving with 52 Squadron, based at 14 Wing of the IAF in Assam. 52 Sqn, of the Indian Air Force, was formed on 01 Jan 86 at 16 Wing, of the IAF at Hashimara with Wg Cdr GM Viswanathan VM as its first Commanding Officer. The Sqn known as "The Sharks" was equipped with the T-77 aircraft.  The primary role of the Squadron was Air defence and the secondary role was ground attack. However, during peace time the Squadron was given the additional responsibility of conducting flying training of young pilots. The Squadron moved to Bagdogra during Jan 90 under the command of Wg Cdr AD Chibbar where it continued to perform its primary, secondary and peacetime role. On 01 Nov 96 the Sqn moved to 14 Wing at Chabua. Plt Offr Ritul Srivastava in June 1997, was undertaking training sorties to practice complex air operations on a regular basis.

 

On 21 Jun 1997, Plt Offr Ritul Srivastava was detailed for another training sortie in MiG-21 aircraft along with Flt Lt Satish Ramanathan. As planned Plt Offr Ritul Srivastava and Flt Lt Satish Ramanathan in their MiG-21 FL aircraft took off from Chabua  Air Force Base, after completing the necessary operational checks on the ground. However, soon after take off, the aircraft developed a serious technical snag and became uncontrollable. The pilots did not get adequate time to either take emergency measures or eject. Eventually the aircraft crashed seriously injuring both the pilots. Flt Lt Satish Ramanathan and Plt Offr Ritul Srivastava could not survive the crash and were martyred. Plt Offr Ritul Srivastava was a dedicated soldier and a professionally competent air warrior, who laid down his life in the line of his duty at the age of 23 years. 

 

Plt Offr Ritul Srivastava is survived by his parents and sister.