MiG-21 trainer aircraft crashes in Rajasthan, both pilots killed

A twin-seater MiG-21 trainer aircraft, on a training sortie from Uttarlai airbase in Rajasthan, crashed on Thursday, killing both pilots, the Indian Air Force (IAF) informed.

The aircraft had taken off from the Uttarlai airbase and reportedly crashed near Bhimda village.

The trainer aircraft met with an accident near Barmer at 9.10 pm and both pilots sustained fatal injuries, the IAF said in a tweet.

"IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF said in a tweet.

 

IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 28, 2022

 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reportedly spoken with the Air Force chief to seek details regarding the incident. "Deeply anguished by the loss of two Air Warriors due to an accident of IAF’s Mig-21 trainer aircraft near Barmer in Rajasthan. Their service to the nation will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of sadness," he tweeted.

"...Deeply anguished by their (the two pilots) loss. My prayers and thoughts are with the bereaved families," tweeted BJP national VP Baijayant Jay Panda.