Navy's Mig 29k crashes in Goa, pilots safe

Panaji, Nov 16 (IANS) An Indian Navy MiG 29k twin-seater trainer aircraft crashed a short distance from the Dabolim international airport on Saturday after its engine caught fire following a bird-hit, the Indian Navy said.

The two pilots Captain M. Sheokhand and Lt. Cdr. Deepak Yadav have ejected safely. The Indian Navy has instituted an enquiry into the incident, a statement said.

"At about 11.45 a.m. this morning, a MiG twin-seater aircraft on a routine training sortie encountered a flock of birds after take off from INS Hansa air base at Dabolim, Goa. The pilot observed the left engine had flamed out and the right engine had caught fire," the Indian Navy statement said.

The incident occurred on Saturday around noon, shortly after take-off from the Dabolim international airport, which functions out of an Indian Navy base INS Hansa in South Goa.

"Attempts to recover the aircraft were unsuccessful due to damage and low height. The pilot with his presence of mind pointed the aircraft away from populated areas and both pilots ejected safely. An enquiry has been instituted by the Navy... There is no loss of life or damage to property on ground," the statement added.