MiG-21 fighter jet crash-lands in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir -- An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 crash-landed Tuesday in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

According to the officials jet's pilot was evacuated safely.

The MiG-21 fighter jet made emergency landing at Srinagar airport in Indian-controlled Kashmir, causing damage to the run way.

"The fighter jet overshot the runway by 200 metres, while landing and caused damage to the runway," an official at airport said. "The tyres of the jet were badly burnt, however timely action saved the MiG."

Officials said fire tenders at the airport were rushed to the runway immediately to prevent aircraft from catching fire.

Following the incident, civilian flights to and from the Srinagar airport were stopped for some time.

Reports said pilot made the emergency landing after noticing a technical snag in the jet.

IAF has inducted over 900 MiG-21 in its fleet over the past 40 years and many of these planes were lost in crashes.

Of late India is phasing out its MiG-21 squadron, following incidents of its frequent crashes in the past.