MiG-27 crashes in Jodhpur, pilot ejects safely

A MiG-27 aircraft of the IAF today crashed in a residential area of the city, with the pilot ejecting safely. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it crashed at 1130 hours.

"The MiG-27, which had taken off from Jodhpur Air Force Station, developed some technical problem and hit a locked house in Kuri Bhagtasni housing board at about 11:30 AM," DM Vishnu Charan Mallik said.

The plane caught fire after the crash and fire fighters were rushed to douse the blaze.

"The pilot ejected safely seconds before the crash," said Mallik.

IAF sources said the pilot had reported a technical problem and sought priority landing. However, as the engine had failed, he had to eject, the sources said.

Defence Spokesperson, Lt Col Manish Ojha, said, "The MiG-27 crashed at 1130 hrs. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie. The pilot ejected safely. A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the accident".

ACP Jodhpur (West) Sima Hingonia said a portion of the house where the plane crashed was damaged.

• MiG-27
• MiG27 crash
• Jodhpur airforce base
• Jodhpur Air Force Station