CHITTAGONG: An air-force training aircraft crashed into the Karnaphuli River while the lone pilot parachuted to safety, officials said.

Flight Lt. Mohammad Sanjeed, sensing an imminent danger, jumped out of the F-7 fighter jet with the parachute and dropped into the river waters at about 1:45 pm.

An observation helicopter, which was following the training flight, immediately flew down to the river level and airlifted Sanjeed.

“The fighter jet made a tailspin and crashed into the river near the Marine Academy 15 minutes after takeoff from Zahurul Haque +base on the beach of the Bay of Bengal,” said Aminur Rashid, Officer-in-Charge of Karnaphuli police station.

Flight Lieutenant Sanjeed was immediately taken to Chittagong Combined Military Hospital for checkup.

“The plane was rapidly carried down the maritime river by waves and then sank into the water,” says a spot account of the accident.

Salvage operation for the ditched fighter plane was underway, said the OC.

BDST: 1553 HRS, SEP 23, 2010