PTI
Ambala, Sep 28: A MiG-29 jet of the Indian Air Force crashed near Ambala on Thursday while on a routine sortie but the pilot bailed out safely, officials said.
Some 10-12 labourers and a tractor driver had a narrow escape when the aircraft piloted by Squadron Leader V Naik crashed into paddy fields near Sadhopur village.
The debris from the jet damaged the tractor but all the labourers were safe, officials said.
Ambala's Deputy Commissioner O P Langyan said Naik, who was on a solo flight, parachuted to safety and was taken to the Military Hospital here.
The Russian-made jet had taken off for a routine sortie from the Ambala airbase. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to ascertain the cause of the crash.
Debris was scattered over a small area at the site of the crash and a 10-foot crater was created by the impact. Senior officials of the IAF and the civil administration inspected the spot.