Global Courant 2023-05-08 14:00:00
NEW DELHI — Three people on the ground were killed in India on Monday when a Russian-made MiG-21 suffered an “onboard emergency” and destroyed a house, authorities said.
The Indian Air Force has experienced a series of crashes in recent years, many related to decades-old aircraft supplied by the former Soviet Union.
The MiG fighter jet crashed into the house in the western state of Rajasthan and three villagers were killed, police officer Sudhir Chaudhary told AFP.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) said the pilot ejected safely and the accident happened shortly after takeoff during a routine training flight.
The pilot “experienced an onboard emergency, after which he attempted to recover the aircraft in accordance with existing procedures,” an IAF statement said.
“Failing to do so initiated an ejection, sustaining minor injuries,” it said.
“The IAF regrets the loss of life and extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved. A court has been set up to determine the cause of the accident.”
The crash was the latest in a string of accidents suffered by the Indian Army.
