An Indian Air Force MiG-21 trainer jet crashed in the Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh on approach to land at Gwalior airbase on Wednesday, September 25, the Ministry of Defence said.
The IAF MiG-21 Type-69 Trainer aircraft crashed near Gwalior at around 10 a.m., the ministry’s release said.
“The aircraft was on a routine mission and was airborne from Air Force Station Gwalior,” it said, adding that it crashed around 6 nautical miles (11 km) from the base while on approach for landing.
“Both the pilots ejected safely and were picked up by rescue helicopter,” the release added.
“Soon after the crash, the trainee aircraft caught fire, but its both pilots ejected safely,” Inspector General of Police, Chambal Range, D P Gupta told PTI, adding that personnel from the rescue helicopter administered first aid.
One of the pilots was injured, Bhind Collector Chote Singh told PTI.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of accident, the MoD said.
A total of 27 Indian Air Force aircraft, including 15 fighter jets and helicopters, have been lost in crashes since 2016, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said in June, Economic Times reported. That figure included the MiG-21 downed during an encounter with Pakistan Air Force aircraft in February.
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