A MiG-21 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashes in Rajasthan, pilot martyred

The pilot, Wing Commander Harshit Sinha, was killed when an Indian Air Force MiG-21 fighter plane crashed in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, today evening.

The Air Force's official Twitter account confirmed the incident, saying, "During a training sortie in the western sector this evening about 8:30 p.m., an IAF MiG-21 aircraft had a flying accident. More information is awaited. An investigation has been launched."

According to Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh, the plane crashed in the Desert National Park area, which falls under the Sam police station. Local police have arrived at the crash site, according to the SP, and he is on his way there as well.

The pilot's death was confirmed by the Air Force. "With great grief, the IAF expresses Wing Commander Harshit Sinha's tragic demise in a flying mishap this evening and stands strongly with the braveheart's family," the tweet read.

This year alone, several MiG-21 planes have crashed. Because it crashes frequently, the plane has earned the nickname "flying coffin."

According to the government's report to Parliament in May 2012, 482 MiG aircraft were involved in accidents between 1971 and April 2012, killing 171 pilots, 39 civilians, eight military personnel, and one aircrew.

"Both human mistake and technical faults" were cited by the government as contributing factors in the accidents.