Fuel tank falls off from MiG-29 during takeoff in Vizag

Visakhapatnam, Aug 29 (IANS) A fuel tank accidentally fell from Indian Navy's fighter jet MiG-29K while it was taking off from the naval air station INS Dega in this coastal city in Andhra Pradesh on Monday.

A spokesman of Eastern Naval Command said there was minor fire on the runway but it was immediately put off by the ground support crew.

"Nobody was injured in the incident. There was no damage to runway or the aircraft," the official told IANS.

The MiG-29 K continued its routine training sortie and while landing back, dropped off the second fuel tank from the other wing to maintain balance.

"The aircraft continued with its training mission and while returning back, as per the standard operating procedure jettisoned the second fuel tank to maintain stability. The empty fuel tank fell on an empty road. There were no injuries to anybody or any damage there as well," he said.

The Navy ordered an investigation into the incident.

According to the official, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. when the aircraft was taking off for routine training mission.

"Since the tank had fuel and while it rolled on the runway, there were sparks ad there was a minor fire. The ground support crew immediately reacted and promptly put off the fire," he said.