MiG-27 Crashes in North Bengal

New Delhi, Jan 31 (UNI) An Indian Air Force MiG-27 fighter jet aircraft today crashed while on a routine training flight in north Bengal, it was officially confirmed here.

The ill-fated IAF warplane had taken off from the Hashimara Airbase and was on ''a routine training flying mission'' when it plunged to the ground around 1240hrs, IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Mahesh Upasni said.

Pilot Wg Cdr J Singh ejected safely while the jet fighter crashed in the Bhatpara Tea Estate under Alipurduar police station in Jalpaiguri district.

There was no damage to civil property and no individual was injured or killed as a result of the air crash, spokesperson Upasni affirmed.

An inquiry had been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.

UNI DG MIR DS1535