IAF Microlight Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing in Prayagraj Pond, Both Pilots Rescued Safely
Prayagraj: Two Indian Air Force pilots averted a potential catastrophe on Wednesday after executing a successful emergency landing in a pond near K.P. College in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, following a mid-air technical malfunction during a routine training flight.
The two-seater microlight aircraft, operating from Air Force Station Bamrauli, encountered critical engine problems at approximately 12:15 PM on January 21 while conducting a standard sortie towards the Phaphamau and Sangam areas. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind and flying expertise, the pilots manoeuvred the distressed aircraft away from densely populated residential zones before making a controlled descent into the water body.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident in an official statement posted on X, noting that preliminary assessments point to a technical malfunction. “A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie, from AF Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hrs on 21 Jan 26, experienced technical malfunction, and was safely force landed in an uninhabitated area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property,” the statement read.
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The emergency landing site, located in the George Town police jurisdiction, witnessed immediate mobilisation of rescue resources. Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya confirmed that a coordinated response involving local police, fire brigade personnel, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Air Force officials, and local residents was swiftly deployed to the marshy terrain.
Professional divers played a pivotal role in the rescue operation, navigating through the water to access the submerged cockpit and extract both pilots. Search teams also combed through the challenging marshy landscape to locate and secure the aircraft.
Both crew members emerged from the incident without injuries, according to official reports. Authorities have confirmed zero casualties and no damage to civilian life or property on the ground, crediting the pilots’ quick decision-making in steering clear of populated areas.
Security forces have cordoned off the crash site as investigators work to determine the precise cause of the engine failure. The IAF has initiated a Court of Inquiry to conduct a thorough examination of the technical malfunction that led to the forced landing.
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The incident underscores the rigorous training and split-second decision-making capabilities of IAF personnel in managing emergency situations while prioritising public safety.