The aircraft had taken off for routine exercise …
New Delhi: On Monday, 08 May 2023, three people were killed and three were injured after an Indian Air Force MiG-21 Fighter aircraft crashed into a home in a Rajasthan village, officials informed.
The aircraft had taken off from the Suratgarh airbase for a routine exercise but it crashed near Bahlol Nagar in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh due to a technical issue.
The pilot ejected from the aircraft. He is reported to be safe.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) said a helicopter was rushed to rescue their pilot, who sustained minor injuries.
"The pilot experienced an onboard emergency, after which he attempted to recover the aircraft.
When failed to do so, he initiated an ejection," it said in a statement.
The IAF said a probe has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the crash.
"A MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Suratgarh during routine training. The pilot ejected safely, sustaining minor injuries.
An inquiry has been constituted to identify the cause of the accident."
Police said a rescue operation has been started in the area where the aircraft had crashed.
"The pilot made all efforts to avert human casualties and crash-landed the plane on the outskirts of the village," said Om Prakash, Inspector General of Police, Bikaner.
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