He is best known for his pivotal role in intercepting the US American T-33 fighter jet, commanded by Howard J. Curran, in 1957.

He began his theoretical studies at the Soviet school in the city of Borisoglebsk, Voronezh region, which is named after Valery Chkalov.

[1] In 1957, Anastas Ngjella and his colleague Mahmut Hysa flew their first combat mission against a United States Air Force jet.

[5] The American Lockheed T-33 jet was surrounded and forced to land on the unfinished runway at Rinas Airport.

[6][7][8] The plane was impounded and the American pilot Major Howard J. Curran was arrested.