2-seater IAF plane crashes in Baghpat, both pilots safe

MEERUT: A two-seater lightweight plane of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in a sugarcane field in Ranchad village in Binauli area of Baghpat district on Friday morning.

However, both of its pilots ejected safely, minutes before the crash. An Indian Air Force (IAF) c team of experts has reached the spot to investigate the incident.

Rishirendra Kumar, district magistrate of Baghpat, said that barring the nose of the aircraft there were no other damages. “The plane nosedived... IAF officials are on the spot and they are doing the needful,” he added.

The crash took place at 9.45 am when the ML-130 aircraft took off from the Hindon air base, superintendent of police Shailesh Kumar Pandey said.

The incident took place in the thickets of Ranchad in Binauli area.

Anurag Sharma , public relations officer of Baghpat SP said both pilots were safe.

The ML-130 microlight plane had taken off from the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad and was reportedly participating in a drill for Air Force Day.

The area where the crash occurred has been barricaded and police force deployed in order to keep villagers away from the crashed plane.

Eyewitnesses said the plane was flying low and at one point started spinning before crashing into the sugarcane field.