Article Posted on : - Nov 24, 2012

An unrelated photo of a MiG-21 Bison aircraft

KUTCH (PTI): A MiG-21 Bison aircraft of the IAF crashed during a routine sortie near the Naliya Airbase here on Saturday, with the pilot ejecting safely.

The fighter plane crash-landed 30 kilometres from the air base in a open forest area, IAF officials said.

However, there were no casualties in the mishap.

Though the pilot received minor injuries, he ejected safely and was admitted to the Bhuj Military Hospital, they said.

The IAF has ordered an inquiry into the crash, officials said.

According to eye witness and range forest officer Atul Dave, there was no fire in the plane when the Bison came down.

On August 30, nine Air Force personnel, including five officers, on board two MI-17 helicopters were killed when the choppers collided mid-air shortly after takeoff from an air base near Jamnagar city of the district.