A Russian-built Mig 27 airliner belonging to Sri Lankan air force crashed near the Colombo international airport Wednesday, defense officials said.

The plane was doing a test run when its pilot reported to the control tower of unusual engine vibration.

Minutes later it crashed into the lagoon at Negombo, some 40 kilometers north of capital Colombo.

The pilot was evicted to safety, officials added. An engine failure has been identified as the cause of the crash.