A MiG-29 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed into a field near Agra on Monday during a routine sortie after “encountering a system malfunction”.

The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft.

The pilot manoeuvred the aircraft to ensure no damage to life or property on the ground before ejecting safely, the IAF said, adding, that a court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the crash.

Visuals showed the aircraft engulfed in flames in an open field at Songa village and people gathering near the crash site and also holding equipment resembling anejection seat.

The IAF said in a statement: “A MiG-29 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Agra during a routine training sortie today after encountering a system malfunction. The pilot manoeuvred the aircraft to ensure no damage to life or property on the ground, before ejecting safely. An enquiry has been ordered by the IAF to ascertain the cause ofthe accident.”

Sources said the plane had taken off from Adampur in Punjab and was on its way to Agra for an exercise when it met with a snag and burstinto flames.