A MiG 21 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Nal air base in Bikaner on Monday night but the pilot ejected safely, official sources said in Delhi [ Images ] on Tuesday.

The aircraft was on a routine sortie when it crashed close to the air base at 2140 IST, an IAF spokesman said adding Flying Officer S Mitra ejected safely.

"No loss of life or injury to any persons or damage on the ground has been reported," he said.

A court of inquiry has been ordered to probe the cause of the crash but a preliminary report suggested engine failure.