Panaji : An Indian Navy MIG trainer plane crashed on Saturday a short distance from the Dabolim international airport, a senior defence official said.

The plane crashed shortly after take-off.

“The pilots ejected from the plane before it crashed and are safe,” Indian Navy Flag Officer, Goa, Rear Admiral Philipose George Pynumootil. The officer said the aircraft was on a regular training sortie when the incident happened.

The Indian Navy along with the district administration officials are in the process of locating the wreckage near Verna plateau in South Goa district.

The aircraft is attached to INS Hansa located near Dabolim in Goa.