F-7 aircraft crashes inside Milestone College campus; pilot’s condition unknown as authorities launch investigation into the cause.
A Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) F-7 fighter-trainer aircraft crashed in the Diabari area of Uttara, Dhaka, at approximately 1:30 PM on July 21, 2025. The aircraft went down within the grounds of Milestone College, a well-known educational institution in the area. Although the incident sparked panic among students, staff, and local residents, no immediate civilian casualties have been reported. The area was quickly cordoned off by security forces and emergency responders to prevent further risk.
The F-7, a Chinese-built supersonic aircraft based on the MiG-21 design, is commonly used by the Bangladesh Air Force for pilot training and limited defense roles. It is a single-seat aircraft, and as of this report, the condition of the pilot involved in today’s crash has not been confirmed. It is also unclear whether the pilot managed to eject from the aircraft before impact. Rescue operations were swiftly launched, and fire service units along with BAF personnel were deployed to the scene to secure the wreckage and ensure there were no secondary hazards, such as fuel leaks or fire outbreaks.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud boom followed by a column of smoke rising from the campus grounds. Some reported seeing the aircraft descending rapidly with abnormal noise before the crash. Several classrooms and facilities at Milestone College sustained damage, although the full extent is yet to be assessed. Students present during the incident were safely evacuated, and authorities have confirmed that the school premises have been cleared to avoid further panic.
The cause of the crash is under active investigation. Standard procedure in such cases includes the immediate formation of a high-level inquiry committee by the Bangladesh Air Force and the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR). Preliminary assessments will focus on potential mechanical failure, human error, and other contributing factors such as weather conditions or technical faults. The aircraft’s flight data and maintenance logs will be reviewed, and a formal statement is expected from the ISPR following the conclusion of the initial probe.
Today’s incident adds to a troubling pattern of air accidents involving BAF trainer aircraft in recent years. In May 2024, a Yak-130 advanced trainer crashed into the Karnaphuli River near Patenga, Chattogram, during a training sortie. One of the two pilots died from injuries sustained during the crash. In 2018, an F-7 aircraft went down in Tangail, killing the pilot on board. A similar crash occurred in 2005 in the Uttara region, where an F-7 fell onto residential property, damaging homes and injuring civilians. These repeated incidents have raised concerns over the maintenance, operational readiness, and safety protocols surrounding the country’s aging training fleet.
Following the Diabari crash, officials are expected to review the status of the remaining F-7 aircraft in service. Grounding of similar aircraft for safety checks, enhanced maintenance inspections, or temporary suspension of training flights could follow depending on the investigation’s findings. Additionally, the crash is likely to reignite public and defense-sector discussions about modernizing the Air Force’s training infrastructure, which remains dependent on aging platforms.
The Bangladesh Air Force has not released any photographs or further details regarding the aircraft’s mission profile or the identity of the pilot involved. It is anticipated that an official briefing will take place once the preliminary investigation is complete. Meanwhile, local authorities have urged residents to stay clear of the crash site to allow for safe cleanup and forensic analysis. No timeline has been given for when the area will be fully reopened to the public.
In the absence of confirmed information on the pilot’s status or the exact cause of the crash, speculation remains high. Authorities have emphasized that the public should refrain from spreading unverified claims and await updates from official channels. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with military aviation, particularly in densely populated areas like Dhaka.
source : thedailystar
