MiG-21 crashes, pilot ejects safely

Chandigarh, Sep 6 (PTI) A MiG-21 'Bison' fighter aircraft
of the Indian Air Force today crashed near Shambu in Punjab's
Patiala district even as the pilot bailed out safely.
The plane had taken off from Ambala on a routine training
sortie and crashed at 1047 hrs, an IAF spokesman said in
Delhi.
According to preliminary information it crashed in the
fields close to Shambu, about 30 kms from here, Patiala's
Senior Superintendent of Police, G S Gill told PTI over phone.
Manjit Singh, Station House Officer of Shambu Police
Station, said the pilot of the aircraft had ejected out before
it crashed in paddy fields.
He said police and fire brigade personnel have rushed to
the accident site.
A court of inquiry has been ordered into the mishap.
Pilot Flt Lt Arunav Ghosh suffered minor injuries and was
taken to Ambala in a helicopter. He has been admitted to the
Army Cantt Hospital in Ambala.
"The plane crashed just 500 metres away from the Shambu
toll barrier. Had it fallen on the highway, it could have
caused casualties. It was a miraculous escape for many today
and the pilot showed good presence of mind," he said.
A team of IAF officials are inspecting the crash spot.