Air Force MiG-29 crashes near Agra; pilot ejects to safety

Videos circulating on social media show the jet engulfed in flames after crashing into an uncultivated farmland. Screengrab: X/@ludiaapynz.

Uttar Pradesh: An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter jet crashed in a field near Agra here on Monday during a routine training mission after a "system malfunction," reported PTI.

The IAF stated that the pilot managed to guide the aircraft away from populated areas, ensuring no harm to life or property on the ground, before ejecting safely. A Court of Inquiry has been initiated to determine the cause of the incident.

Images circulating on social media showed the jet’s wreckage in flames, with thick smoke rising as a crowd gathered at the crash site.

In a statement on X, the IAF confirmed, "A MiG-29 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Agra during a routine training sortie today after experiencing a system malfunction. The pilot ensured no harm to life or property on the ground before ejecting safely. The IAF has ordered an inquiry to investigate the accident's cause."

On September 2, a similar incident occurred when a MiG-29 crashed in Barmer, Rajasthan, due to a "critical" technical issue. The pilot ejected safely, and no injuries were reported.

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