Jodhpur: A MiG-27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force today crashed in a residential area of the city, with the pilot ejecting safely.
The plane crashed adjacent to a house in an open area in Mahaveer Nagar, SHO Basni Police Station Rajesh Yadav told PTI. There have also been reports of two people being injured in the accident, though the numbers have not been confirmed officially.
"The pilot was on a routine training mission. He had reported a technical problem and sought priority landing. However, as the engine had failed, he had to eject," IAF sources told PTI.
Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off and police officials have reached the spot.
ACP Jodhpur (West) Sima Hingonia said a portion of a house where the plane crashed was damaged.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
Soviet-era MiG fighter aircrafts were originally built by Mikoyan design bureau in the Soviet Union and later license-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). The aircraft is on eof the oldest in IAF's fleet of fighter jets and is known for its frequent crashes.
Since being inducted into IAF around four decades ago, the fighter jet has earned the name of 'flying coffin' and 'widow-maker'.
In 2012, then Defence Minister AK Antony had told the Rajya Sabha that over the last 40 years, India had lost more than half of its MiG combat fleet of 872 aircraft. The minister disclosed that '482 MiG aircraft accidents took place till April 19, 2012'.
Antony also revealed that these crashes led to the loss of precious lives of 171 pilots, 39 civilians and eight persons from other services.
(With agencies)
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