PTI
 
Barmer (Rajasthan), Mar 21: A trainer version of Mig-21 fighter aircraft crashed soon after getting airborne from Uttarlai airbase in the district on Tuesday with both pilots reported dead.

 "The aircraft crashed near Uttarlai village in Barmer district at 1535 hours IST," an IAF spokesman said in New Delhi adding the names of the pilots were being verified.

The fighter was on a routine flying-training mission when it crashed soon after getting airborne. Though the Mig-21 are single-seater fighters, the plane which crashed was carrying two pilots as it was a trainer version, he said.

The bodies of the pilots were found near the crash site by rescue helicopters. "So far no damage has been reported on the ground as the fighter crashed in an open area", he said.

The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to find out the cause of the accident. The ill-fated aircraft was one of the older versions which are progressively being phased out.