New Delhi, November 07: Burnt remains of the pilot of the ill-fated MiG-29 fighter aircraft have been found by IAF search teams, 19 days after the plane crashed in Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh.
Some remains of 32-year-old Squadron Leader Dharmendra Singh Tomar, who hails from Gwalior, were found in the cockpit near the Gangstang glacier in Kherot village in the Chokhang hills at an altitude of 15,000-17,000 feet on Saturday, Western Air Command spokesman Wing Commander said SK Mehta in Delhi.
“Some more parts of the engine, wings and cockpit, but smaller in size, have been recovered. Now the search is on to locate the Flight Data Recorder (black box),” he said.
“The exact reason for the crash will be known only after the inquiry is over.”
The last village on this route is Kherot after which the area is identified as Chokhang Hills, Mehta said.
The evidences have been sent for forensic examination and the family members of Tomar, who are camping at Adampur air base, have been informed about the development, he said.
Tomar is married to Neha, a housewife and they have a two-and-a-half year-old son, Veer.
“We are not believing the news. Our hopes are still alive. We are waiting for further information,” said Tomar's brother Shiloo from the Adampur air base. “The entire family is praying for my brother.”
