MiG-21 fighter jet crashes in Kangra, pilot dead; Court of Inquiry ordered

IAF MiG-21 fighter jet crash: It was not immediately known if the pilot ejected safely.

A MiG-21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in Patta Jatian village in Jawali area of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, Wednesday, leading to the death of the pilot. Superintendent of Police, Kangra, Santosh Patial confirmed that the aircraft crashed at around 1.30 pm. According to reports, the MiG 21 aircraft took off from the Pathankot Air Base.

Airforce personnel reached the site of the crash in two choppers and investigation is on. The pilot sustained fatal injuries during the accident. According to the initial reports, pieces of flesh had been found at the site. Visuals from the scene of the crash showed part of the aircraft burning, which was later doused.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to establish the cause of the accident.

Story continues below this ad

MiG-21 crashes in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh — watch video

Today’s crash is the second for the Indian Air Force fighter jet model — MiG 21 — in the last two months.

IAF MiG-21 fighter jet crashes in Kangra: Villagers gather around the crash site. IAF MiG-21 fighter jet crashes in Kangra: Rescue operations are underway, but there’s still no news about the pilot. IAF MiG-21 fighter jet crashes in Kangra: A chopper arrives for the rescue operation.