Jalpaiguri, Oct 23 (ANI): An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG 27 aircraft crashed near New Jalpaiguri about 16 kilometers West of the Hashimara Air Force Base on Friday.

According to a Defence Ministry press release, the pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Gautam, ejected safely before the aircraft crashed.

This is the ninth IAF aircraft and the second MiG 27 crash this year. Earlier in May a MiG 27 crashed in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

The fighter jet was on a routine sortie when it crashed.

There was no reported damage to property or life.

The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident.

Since January this year, the IAF lost three MiG-21s at Jodhpur, Chabua in Assam and Baliana in Punjab.

One IAF pilot was also killed when a SU-30MKI, was crashed in Jaisalmer in April. (ANI)