Aircraft Crashes on Highway in Kasganj
A trainee aircraft crash-landed on a highway in Uttar Pradesh's Kasganj district on Tuesday, leaving the woman pilot critically injured. The incident occurred near the village of Nagla Dhimar on the Kasganj-Soron road around 11 am, according to local police officials.
The aircraft, a two-seater trainer, was on a routine training sortie when it suddenly lost control and veered onto the highway. The pilot, identified as 28-year-old Priya Singh, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. She was later referred to a higher medical facility in Agra for advanced treatment.
Eyewitness Accounts and Rescue Operation
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying low before it wobbled and crashed onto the road, narrowly missing several vehicles. "We heard a loud noise and saw the plane coming down. It was terrifying," said a local shopkeeper. The police and fire brigade arrived promptly and extricated the pilot from the wreckage. The aircraft was completely destroyed in the crash.
Senior police officer Rajesh Kumar confirmed that no one on the ground was injured. "The pilot is critical but stable. An investigation has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash," he said.
Training Flight Details
The aircraft belonged to a private flying club based in Aligarh. According to club officials, the pilot had logged over 100 flying hours and was undergoing advanced training. The aircraft, a Cessna 152, had undergone routine maintenance checks just last week. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified and will conduct a technical inquiry.
This is the second such incident in Uttar Pradesh this year. In January, a similar trainer plane crashed in a field in Bareilly, but the pilot escaped with minor injuries. Authorities are reviewing safety protocols for training flights.
Impact and Aftermath
The crash caused a temporary traffic jam on the highway as authorities cleared the debris. Traffic was diverted for about two hours. The aircraft's wreckage has been moved for forensic analysis. The pilot's family has been informed, and the flying club has announced full support for her treatment.
Local residents expressed concern over the safety of low-flying aircraft near populated areas. "We live in constant fear. This is not the first time a plane has come close to our homes," said a resident. The district administration has promised to review airspace usage and coordinate with aviation authorities to prevent future incidents.
