Vintage Training Aircraft Forced into Emergency Landing in Karnataka Field
A training aircraft was compelled to execute an emergency landing in an open agricultural field approximately 50 to 70 kilometers short of its intended destination, Belagavi, on Sunday. The incident occurred after the aircraft allegedly exhausted its fuel supply mid-flight. Despite the aircraft sustaining damage upon impact, both the experienced flight instructor and the trainee pilot aboard emerged completely unharmed and safe from the harrowing ordeal.
Aviation Authorities Launch Immediate Investigation
Aviation regulatory bodies have swiftly initiated a comprehensive probe into the alarming episode. In an official statement, the aviation minister detailed, "Redbird Flight Training Academy's Cessna 172, registration VT-EUC, while operating a cross-country training flight from Kalaburagi to Belagavi, was involved in a forced landing near Vijayapura on Sunday due to suspected fuel starvation. A further investigation will be meticulously carried out by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)."
The aircraft in question is a vintage model, originally manufactured in the year 1975. The flight sector from Kalaburagi to Belagavi is considered relatively short, spanning approximately 300 kilometers. A primary focus of the ongoing investigation will be to determine the precise cause behind the critical fuel shortage that led to the emergency situation.
Redbird's History and Regulatory Scrutiny
This incident brings renewed scrutiny to Redbird Flight Training Academy, one of India's largest flying training institutions with a fleet of 48 aircraft. The DGCA had previously imposed a temporary suspension on Redbird's operations in October 2023 following a series of non-fatal mishaps. The academy's activities were permitted to resume only after the regulator conducted thorough and detailed safety checks and audits.
The forced landing underscores persistent concerns within the aviation training sector regarding maintenance protocols, fuel management procedures, and overall operational safety standards. Experts emphasize that even on short-haul training flights, rigorous pre-flight checks and contingency planning are paramount.
Key Details of the Incident:- Aircraft: Cessna 172 (Registration: VT-EUC), manufactured in 1975.
- Operator: Redbird Flight Training Academy.
- Route: Kalaburagi to Belagavi (approx. 300 km).
- Emergency Landing Site: Open field near Vijayapura, Karnataka.
- Distance from Destination: 50-70 km before Belagavi.
- Casualties: None. Both pilots (instructor and trainee) safe.
- Suspected Cause: Fuel starvation/exhaustion.
- Investigating Agencies: DGCA and AAIB.
As the DGCA and AAIB delve deeper, the aviation community awaits their findings, which are expected to recommend corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the highest levels of safety for student pilots and instructors across the country's flying training organizations.
