2 pilots killed in Air Force’s MiG-21 jet crash
Two pilots were killed on Thursday evening when Air Force’s MiG-21 jet crashed during a training sortie in Rajasthan’s Barmer.
“A twin seater Mig-21 trainer aircraft of the IAF was airborne for a training sortie from Utarlai air base in Rajasthan this evening. Around 9:10 pm, the aircraft met with an accident near Barmer. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries,” the Air Force said in a statement.
“IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families,” it further said.
A court of inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident, it said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari following the crash.
“Deeply anguished by the loss of two Air Warriors due to an accident of IAF’s Mig-21 trainer aircraft near Barmer in Rajasthan,” Singh said on Twitter.