An Indian Air Force MiG-21 crashed in Rajasthan’s Hamumangarh district on Monday, defence sources said adding that the pilot is safe.
According to sources, the pilot is safe and the army’s helicopter has reached the accident site for rescue. The aircraft had taken off from Suratgarh according to IAF Sources.
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3 civilians were killed on the ground when an IAF MiG-21 crashed near Hanumangarh, Rajasthan a short while ago. The pilot managed to eject safely and has been airlifted to the hospital.
“A MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Suratgarh during a routine training sortie today morning. The pilot ejected safely, sustaining minor injuries. An inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident”, the Indian Air Force said in a statement.
The pilot experienced an onboard emergency, following which he attempted to recover the aircraft as per existing procedures. Having failed to do so, he initiated an ejection, sustaining minor injuries in the process. The pilot was recovered from about 25 kilometers North East of Suratgarh’s base.
The aircraft wreckage fell on a house in Bahlol Nagar in Hanumangarh District, unfortunately leading to the loss of three lives. The IAF regrets the loss of lives and offers its deepest condolences to the bereaved families. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident, the Indian Air Force said in a statement.
Further information is awaited.
