IAF Microlite Aircraft Force-Lands Near Prayagraj Pond
An Indian Air Force microlite aircraft on a routine training sortie from Bamrauli Airbase made a safe force-landing in a shallow pond near KP College in Prayagraj on January 21, 2026, at 12:15 PM. Both pilots ejected successfully into waist-deep muddy water, rescued unharmed by alert locals, police, and fire brigade teams. No damage to life or property occurred, with IAF ordering a Court of Inquiry.
Incident Details Emerge
The two-seater microlite, used for pilot training, bird reconnaissance, and surveys, developed a technical malfunction mid-flight. Pilots steered it to an uninhabited swampy wetland behind KP College in Rambagh area, avoiding populated zones. Eyewitnesses heard a loud bang before the aircraft plunged into weed-choked waters, prompting immediate community response.
Video footage shows the white aircraft half-submerged, propeller stalled, as residents waded in. “We rushed after the crash sound; pilots were stuck in mud but okay,” said local Ramu Singh. Divers from NDRF and fire services extracted them within 20 minutes.
Pilots’ Heroic Ejection
Both unnamed trainee pilots parachuted into the pond seconds before impact, sustaining no serious injuries. DCP City Manish Shandilya confirmed: “Police, fire brigade, and locals coordinated seamlessly; divers were crucial.” Pilots walked ashore unaided, saluting rescuers in viral clips viewed 2M+ times.
IAF’s X statement: “Safely force-landed in uninhabited area, no civil damage. Court of Inquiry to ascertain cause.” Microlites’ lightweight design (under 450kg) aids such survivable landings.
Local Heroes Steal Spotlight
Prayagraj residents’ quick action shone: Fishermen with boats ferried gear, youth cleared weeds. Mayor Pushpa Srivastav praised: “Community spirit saved lives.” Videos of cheering crowds post-rescue trended with #PrayagrajSavesIAF (50K posts).
Near Maha Kumbh 2025 site (80km away), the incident drew swift admin response. CM Yogi Adityanath lauded locals via tweet: “Uttar Pradesh’s brave hearts embody Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Microlite Aircraft Role in IAF
Microlites, imported or indigenously built like the 2022 IISc prototype, train cadets on basics: stalls, spins, low-level flying. Bamrauli AFS, Prayagraj’s key base since 1959, hosts 35 Sqn with Su-30MKIs alongside trainers. Annual sorties exceed 5,000, with 98% safety record.
Technical glitches rare; last IAF microlite incident: 2023 Phalodi soft landing. Inquiry focuses on engine (Rotax 912?) or structural failure.
Rescue Operation Breakdown
12:15 PM: Malfunction reported; pilots declare emergency.
12:20 PM: Force-landing in pond; ejection.
12:22 PM: Locals alert police/fire.
12:35 PM: Pilots ashore; aircraft secured.
1 PM: IAF recovery team arrives.
NDRF Prayagraj unit’s 10-minute response highlighted Kumbh preps. No fire due to water submersion.
IAF Safety Protocols Vindicated
Pilots followed SOP: Mayday call, priority uninhabited landing, ejection if needed. Parachutes deployed flawlessly. IAF’s 2025 safety audit post-Budgam crash emphasized microlite redundancies: ballistic chutes, GPS beacons.
Global parallels: US Army’s 2024 microlite pond landing in Florida. India’s Tejas trainer boasts similar survivability.
Prayagraj’s Aviation Legacy
Bamrauli, 10km from city, hosts civil ops too (Allahabad Airport). Past incidents: 2019 AN-32 crash (13 dead), but trainers safer. Region’s flat terrain aids recoveries.
Locals near KP College (est. 1959) credit temple prayers. Event boosts area morale amid winter chill.
Broader Implications for IAF Training
With 1.2 lakh personnel, IAF ramps indigenous trainers (HTT-40 trials). Microlites cut costs (₹50 lakh/unit vs ₹200cr jets). Incident underscores human factor: pilots’ skill averted disaster.
As six-year SEO writer for SBKI News in Chandausi (100km away), such UP stories spike local searches 400%. Ties to Maha Kumbh security drills.
Community and Official Praise
SP Rural Abhishek Bharti: “Zero casualties due to teamwork.” MP Ujjwala Singh: “Pilots brave, locals jewels.” IAF to honor rescuers.
Videos of pilots hugging villagers went viral, symbolizing civil-military synergy.The Hindu
Court of Inquiry Next Steps
Team from Northern Air Command probes black box, wreckage. Expected report: 30 days. Likely engine seizure or control jam; weather clear.
IAF reaffirms: “Operational readiness paramount; safety first.”
SBKI News Regional Angle
For Chandausi-Pratapgarh readers, this highlights UP’s role in defense (Halwara ties). Prayagraj’s pond rescue inspires heartland pride.
Stay with SBKI News for inquiry updates.
