IAF aircraft crashes in Mayurbhanj; pilots escape with injuries

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PTI/PNN
Baripada, Jun 3: Two pilots had a dramatic escape as an advanced jet trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed in a paddyfield at Kudarsahi near Bisoi, about 52km from the district headquarter town of Mayurbhanj Wednesday. The pilots were injured. A crater of 8-ft deep has developed in the ground following the crash.
The pilots were Sachin Mahajan and Sidhartha Yadav. They ejected out of the aircraft with the help of parachutes and landed at Bhutubeda, a few km away from crash site, an official said.
The aircraft crashed after flying for about 50km from the Kalaikunda Air Base on a routine sortie. The reason behind the crash was yet to be ascertained and a court of inquiry has been ordered, Air Force officials said.
Said DGP Sanjeev Marik, “We have got information that an aircraft crashed in a paddyfield in a village under Bisoi Police Station area.” Asit Panigrahi, Inspector General (DIG), northen range, said, “The accident took place between 1.20pm and 1.30pm.” He said the fire on the aircraft has been contained. Additional district magistrate Surath Mullick said both the pilots have been admitted to the district sadar hospital. Firefighters rushed to the crash site and brought the fire under control.
A chopper from the Kalaikunda airbase reached the accident spot. Earlier, May 8, a MiG 27 aircraft crashed near Alipurduar town in West Bengal following a technical problem.