MiG-21 crashes in Punjab, pilot ejects safely

A MiG-21 'Bison' fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) today crashed near Shambu in Punjab's Patiala district even as the pilot bailed out safely.

The plane had taken off from Ambala on a routine training sortie and crashed at 10.47am, an IAF spokesperson said in Delhi.

According to preliminary information it crashed in the fields close to Shambu, about 30km from Chandigarh, Patiala's Senior Superintendent of Police, GS Gill told PTI over phone.

Manjit Singh, Station House Officer of Shambu Police Station, said the pilot of the aircraft had ejected out before it crashed in paddy fields.

He said police and fire brigade personnel have rushed to the accident site.

A court of inquiry has been ordered into the mishap.

Pilot Flt Lt Arunav Ghosh suffered minor injuries and was taken to Ambala in a helicopter. He has been admitted to the Army Cantt Hospital in Ambala.

"The plane crashed just 500 metres away from the Shambu toll barrier. Had it fallen on the highway, it could have caused casualties. It was a miraculous escape for many today and the pilot showed good presence of mind," he said.

A team of IAF officials are inspecting the crash spot.