Panchkula, March 8 -- Indian Air Force's (IAF) Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed in the Panchkula district during a routine training sortie on Friday after encountering a technical defect, officials said.

The pilot, a Flight Lieutenant, ejected safely and was later rescued by the IAF.

According to official sources, the aircraft took off from the Ambala air base but soon developed a system malfunction mid-air. The pilot, demonstrating quick reflexes, maneuvered the aircraft away from habitation on the ground before ejecting.

In an official statement, the IAF said, "A Jaguar aircraft of the IAF crashed at Ambala during a routine training sortie today after encountering a system malfunction. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft away from any h...