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In Memoriam

Squadron Leader Zafar Ahsan

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Squadron Leader Zafar Ahsan

4 September 1989

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Anon, Oct 25, 2021 - 08:33 PM

VIPER-2 IS DOWN - A TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN

By Sarmad Hassan Sharif

(This incident has been reconstructed using the available information utilizing the internet and open literature. If anybody can contribute some more details, we can get a better picture of how this mishap happened. The call-signs are also not real and are used just to provide a feel of that mission.)

It was a routine night sortie comprising of a two ship formation of F-16 fighters. As the F-16s were taxing for the runway, Viper-2 applied his wheel brakes and halted. The leader also stopped, and inquired if there is any problem. Viper-2 replied that he suspected a minor problem but everything is okay now. The leader offered him that they can still abort the mission but he declined the offer and requested to proceed with the mission. Both the F-16s lined up on the runway under the dark September sky and waited for clearance for take-off. There was no moon, and visibility was poor. Soon they were cleared to take-off by the ATC.

With all the pre-flight checks completed, the leader pushed his throttle to starting position. “Viper-2, this is Viper lead, let’s kick the tires and light the fire, taking off at full power.” “Two confirming,” said the wingman as both Falcons started their takeoff run. As the afterburners lit, the low visibility grey F-16s resembling two sharks unleashed to catch their prey, gained their momentum as they sped across the runway. Within seconds, both Falcons were airborne.

Both the F-16s proceeded with their mission in a loose duce formation. As they crossed Waypoint 2, Viper-2 gave in a distress call, "Leader, there is some problem with my instruments." Viper Lead engaged his speed brakes and replied, "Just settle down on my wing, we're proceeding back to the base." The navigation lights were switched on both the fighters, while Viper-2 had his leader on his radar. But despite all this, Viper-2 didn't visually acquired his leader. "Viper Lead, I cannot spot anything." "Calm down boy! Just slow down, I'll move close to you and will guide you back to the base." "Leader looks like I'm disoriented. I have you in my TD Box but I dont have you visually. I'm closing in."

It was this time, that in an act of desperation, Viper-2 pushed his throttle to max power and conducted a high-G turn in order to locate his leader visually. "Viper-2 slow down, apply your speed brakes, and confirm your position," shouted Viper Lead as his wingman had acted contrary to his orders. No answer..................."Viper-2, confirm your position" inquired the Leader. He had him on radar, while the Ground Controller witnessed one of the F-16s loosing height rapidly. Both, the controller and Viper Lead called in several times on the RT but there was no reply. It was this instance when one of the blips disappeared from the scope. Viper Lead conducted a go-around near the place where the blip disappeared and discovered a major fire on the ground. The inevitable had happened. Viper-2 had crashed.

Squadron Leader Zafar Ahsan was the Top Graduate of the 7 OCU of No.11 Squadron (F-16 Operational Conversion Course) in April 1987. He was involved in flying many BARCAP and Interception Missions during the Afghan War and was considered an iconic figure amongst his colleagues. He was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader between April '87 - September '89 and moved in No.9 Squadron (Griffins) which indicated his level of professionalism and skills. On the unfortunate night of 4th September 1989, he was the wingman of a two ship formation. Soon after takeoff he was disoriented and informed his formation leader and the GC about it. While both his leader and GC both attempted to guide him to safety, he conducted a high G Maneuver in order to visually locate his leader. This caused G-LOC and he didn't responded to any call after that. Subsequently his F-16 crashed and he embraced martyrdom. Detailed investigation of this incident concluded in the result that he got disoriented soon after takeoff due to some instrument failure and was unable to react after he was caught in G-LOC. This was the reason he never responded to any calls nor could eject. The PAF not only lost a US$ 30 million plane but also a Top Gun pilot who had all the potential to become one of the best pilots PAF had ever produced. A top rated F-16 pilot is one of the biggest asset PAF possesses and this loss had hit PAF real hard. This was the third F-16 lost in an operational accident. PAF was now down to 37 F-16s.







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