MiG-29 crashes near Adampur, Pilot safe

New Delhi, May 8 (UNI) A Mig-29 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed this afternoon near Adampur airbase - this year's fifth such mishap putting paid to the IAF's safety record for 2007-08.

The pilot ejected safely.

IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Mahesh Upasni said the aircraft had taken off from the Adampur airbase at 1552 hrs and crashed within minutes. The pilot bailed out safely, he said.

There was no immediate report of loss to civilian life and property.

Initial reports from Jalandhar, near the Adampur airbase, suggested that the MiG-29 -- which was on a routine flight -- developed a technical snag soon after take off.

Senior IAF officers from the IAF's Adampur base had rushed to the accident-spot An inquiry had been ordered into the incident, Wg Cdr Upasni said.

Further details of the mishap were awaited.

Significantly, the IAF -- celebrating the Platnum Jubilee of its formation this year -- had registered its best safety record during 2006-07. This year, however, the safety record already lay in smithreens -- with five crashes already in 38 days of this fiscal.

UNI