Agra: The Indian Air Force (IAF) reported a crash involving a MiG-29 fighter jet near Agra, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. The incident occurred during a routine training sortie after the aircraft experienced a “system malfunction”. Fortunately, there were no casualties, according to officials.
The pilot acted swiftly, steering the jet to avoid any potential harm to civilians or property on the ground before safely ejecting. The IAF has launched a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause of the malfunction.
Videos and images circulating on social media show the aircraft’s fuselage engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site. A crowd of local residents quickly gathered near the field where the jet went down.
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In a post on X, the IAF confirmed, “A MiG-29 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Agra during a routine training sortie today, after encountering a system malfunction. The pilot manoeuvered the aircraft to ensure no damage to life or property on ground, before ejecting safely. An enquiry has been ordered by the IAF, to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
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This incident follows a similar MiG-29 crash in Rajasthan’s Barmer on September 2, where a “critical” technical issue forced the pilot to eject safely. No casualties were reported in that incident either.
