MiG 27 jet crashes

 Monday, 13th February 2012

A MiG 27 fighter jet belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force had reportedly crashed into the Hevana area belonging to the Dummalasooriya police area in the Puttlam district a short while ago.

The Russian built jet was on a routine training mission after departing from the Katunayake Air Force Base. 

Air Force spokesman Group Captain Andy Wijesuriya said that the pilot managed to escape without sustaining any injuries. 

The reason for the crash is yet to be established but it is widely believed that a technical failure in the aging jet had led to the incident. 

The MiG 27 was used by the SLAF during the war, primarily for the ground attack and close air support role.  These jets come under the No.12 Squadron of the SLAF.  (Supun Dias)

Click below to see pictures

The ill-fated MiG 27

The ill-fated MiG 27

MONDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2012 16:55

Seen here are pictures of the wreckage of the ill-fated Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) MiG 27 which crashed in to the Dummalasooriya area in Puttalam today. The pilot landed safely after ejecting himself from the jet. A technical error is widely believed to have led to the crash. Pix by Jude Samantha