An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot successfully ejected from a MiG-29 fighter jet that crashed into a field near Agra, Uttar Pradesh, following a system malfunction. The aircraft, which was en route from Adampur in Punjab to Agra for a routine training exercise, encountered issues that necessitated an emergency maneuver by the pilot to minimize risks to life and property on the ground before safely ejecting.
Witnesses captured videos of local residents shouting “bachao, bachao” as they hurried to aid the pilot, who landed in a field after ejecting. One bystander exclaimed, “Fauji bach gao” (the soldier survived), as they escorted him to safety. Fortunately, the pilot appeared unharmed.
In a statement, the IAF confirmed that no injuries or damage to property occurred since the jet crashed in an unpopulated area. They announced an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Footage shared online showed the MiG-29 entering a tailspin before descending to the ground.
In a related incident, another MiG-29 fighter jet crashed and caught fire in Barmer, Rajasthan, on September 2 due to a technical malfunction. The pilot in that case also reported being safe, and an inquiry was subsequently initiated by the IAF.
The MiG-29 is a key air defense fighter for the IAF, originally developed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau in Russia during the 1970s.
