Mayurbhanj:
Two Indian Air Force pilots were injured today after an advanced jet trainer aircraft crashed in a paddy field at Kudarsahi in Mayurbhanj district.
The pilots ejected themselves out of the aircraft before it crashed, an official said. One of the injured pilots has been identified as Sachin, he added.
The advanced jet trainer aircraft crashed after flying for about 50 km from the Kalaikunda Air Base on a routine sortie, Air Force officials said.
The reason behind the crash is not known yet and a Court of Inquiry has been ordered by the Air Force, they said.
Odisha police chief Sanjeev Marik said, "We have got information that one aircraft crashed in a paddy field in a village under Bisoi Police Station area."
Asit Panigrahi, Inspector General (DIG), northern range, said, "The accident took place between 1.20 PM and 1.30 PM."
He said the fire on the aircraft has been contained.
Additional District Magistrate Surath Mullick said two pilots had been traced to a place about two to three km away from the accident site. Both were found injured.
Both the pilots have been admitted to the district Sadar hospital, he said.
A chopper from the Kalaikunda airbase has reached the accident spot, an official said.
Earlier on May 8, a MiG-27 had crashed near Alipurduar town in West Bengal following a technical problem.