IAF Training Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing in Prayagraj After Engine Malfunction
An Indian Air Force training aircraft experienced a critical engine failure during a routine training mission, leading to an emergency crash landing in the Rambagh area of Prayagraj on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 PM, involving an aircraft from the Indian Air Force Station Bamrauli, primarily utilized for monitoring bird activity in the region.
Emergency Systems Avert Major Disaster
The aircraft's emergency parachute system successfully deployed during the descent, preventing what could have been a catastrophic accident. This crucial safety mechanism allowed for a controlled landing, minimizing potential damage and ensuring the safety of the personnel on board.
Experienced Pilots at the Controls
The flight was operated by two senior officers from Air Force Station Bamrauli. Group Captain Praveen Agarwal, a recipient of the Vayusena Medal who serves as the Chief Operating Officer, was piloting the aircraft alongside Group Captain Sunil Kumar Pandey, the station's Chief Administrative Officer. Both officers emerged from the incident with stable medical conditions.
Official Statement Confirms Routine Training Mission
Defence Public Relations Officer Wing Commander Debartho Dhar issued an official statement clarifying the nature of the flight. "This was a routine sortie in a trainee aircraft, both pilot and occupant are safe," confirmed Dhar, emphasizing that the incident occurred during standard training operations.
Second Aviation Emergency This Month
This incident represents the second aviation emergency reported in India during January. Earlier this month, on January 10, a nine-seater aircraft operating under the government's Regional Connectivity Scheme was forced to make an emergency landing near Rourkela.
The IndiaOne Air Cessna Grand Caravan, operating as flight IOA-102 from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela, declared a "Mayday" emergency at 1:14 PM after crew members detected technical issues mid-flight. The aircraft executed a belly landing approximately six minutes later in an open field near Kansor, about 15-20 kilometers short of its intended destination at Rourkela airport.
Previous Incident Details and Investigation
In that earlier incident, all six occupants—four passengers and two crew members—survived the emergency landing. While one pilot sustained injuries, the aircraft suffered only minor fuselage damage with its wings remaining completely intact. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the technical snag that prompted the emergency landing.
The consecutive aviation emergencies this month have raised questions about maintenance protocols and safety measures across different segments of India's aviation sector, from military training operations to civilian regional connectivity flights.
