IAF Training Aircraft Crashes Near Prayagraj’s Magh Mela; Pilots Eject Safely
In a dramatic incident today, an Indian Air Force (IAF) training aircraft crashed into a pond in a densely populated area of Prayagraj, just three kilometres from the ongoing Magh Mela. Both pilots ejected safely using parachutes, averting a potential major tragedy.
The microlight aircraft encountered a technical malfunction shortly after taking off from the Bamrauli Air Force Station around noon. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft wobble mid-air before it plunged into a water hyacinth-choked pond behind KP College.
Pilots’ Quick Thinking Prevents Disaster
Defence Wing PRO Wing Commander Debartho Dhar confirmed the IAF training aircraft crash, stating the pilots exhibited remarkable presence of mind. “The pilots managed to bring the aircraft down in an isolated, uninhabited area, preventing any loss of civilian life or property,” he said. Both pilots are reported safe. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the technical fault.
Rescue Operations Amid Challenging Conditions
The crash site, located perilously close to schools and residential colonies, sparked immediate concern. Local residents were first on the scene, helping to pull the pilots from the marshy pond after their parachute landing. Teams from the Army, Fire Brigade, NDRF, and SDRF have been deployed. However, dense water hyacinth coverage has hampered efforts to reach and recover the aircraft itself.
An eyewitness, Mohammad Shabir, described the moment: “A bright red light appeared, then parachutes opened. The aircraft fell into the pond.” A teacher from nearby KP College stated the crash happened “before our eyes,” causing alarm among students and parents, many of whom rushed to collect their children.
Why This Incident Matters Now
The timing and location of this IAF training aircraft crash amplify its significance. It occurred in the heart of Prayagraj during the sacred Magh Mela, a period when the city’s population swells with millions of pilgrims. The incident underscores the inherent risks of military training flights and the critical importance of pilot training and safety protocols, especially over populous regions.
The successful ejection and survival of the crew highlight the effectiveness of IAF emergency procedures, even when technology fails. As rescue operations continue and the inquiry begins, the focus remains on the pilots’ safety and the lessons to be learned from this alarming incident near one of India’s largest religious gatherings.
