On April 26, the Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) lost a Mig-21 fighter jet in a take-off accident, according to several Syrian sources.
The Mig-21 reportedly crashed right after taking-off from the Hama Air Base in central Syria. The fighter jet was on its way to a training mission. The pilot survived.
Luftwaffe AS, a Syrian aviation blog, shared a photo allegedly showing the wreckage of the Mig-21 that was lost in the accident. However, the blog said the accident is not confirmed and that the photo could be from an unspecified, older accident.
Can’t assure how plausible is this, but this upside down MiG-21 looks Syrian. It’s said it skids Hama AB’s runway during a training sortie…what makes it strange is that it’s dtd 2020.
Hope @obretix can help geolocating it. pic.twitter.com/PJk4gBjCq5— LuftwaffeAS (@LuftwaffeAS) May 2, 2020
The SyAAF used to operate dozens of Mig-21 fighter jets, some were modernized. In the course of the war, some were shot down or seized by rebels. Many others were placed out of service as a result of technical issues.
The few Mig-21 remaining in service with the SyAAF are mainly used for advanced training. They also provide close air support for army troops when necessary.
If these reports are confirmed, this would be the second such accident this year. Last March, a Syrian Mig-29SM crashed a few minutes after taking-off from the Sheirat Air Base in Homs as a result of a technical failure.
In Syria you dont know who to trust.Its like everybody for himself God for us all.
While I’m quite sure this aircraft is quicker than my Nissan Primera and has more bite than the Rottweiller next door I bet its still cheaper to keep than my wife and easier to cuddle
at least the pilot survived thank God for that, im sure russia or someone can resupply the mig, or even a better model
First flight 14 February 1956 (Ye-2) Introduction 1959 (MiG-21F) Status In service Primary users Soviet Air Forces (historical) Indian Air Force Croatian Air Force Romanian Air Force Produced 1959–1985
MiG-21 is the excellent aircraft. Easy for operation and and low cost. Production about 11 500 units, of all versions. I served as an technician on this aircraft at Cold War era.
From blog cited in report above – interesting vid of Syrian Mig-21 over Syria:
https://twitter.com/LuftwaffeAS/status/1256512038970458113