An Indian Air Force training aircraft crashed during a routine sortie in Prayagraj on Wednesday. The aircraft developed a technical fault mid-flight and lost control. It crashed into a nearby pond and was completely destroyed.
Soon after the crash, Indian Air Force teams rushed to the site with local administration support. Emergency services launched rescue and recovery operations without delay. Security forces also cordoned off the area to prevent further risk.
Read more: IAF trainer aircraft crashes near Chennai, pilot ejects safely
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud, explosion-like sound before the aircraft descended rapidly. The sudden incident caused brief panic among residents in nearby localities. However, authorities quickly stabilized the situation on the ground.
Later reports clarified the aircraft was a two-seater microlite on a routine training mission. Defense sources said the recovery system activated successfully during the emergency. As a result, both the pilot and the other crew member onboard are safe.
Read more: India retires MiG-21 jets, ends era of ‘flying coffins’
The Indian Air Force has now launched a formal investigation into the crash. Officials will examine technical data and evidence collected from the site. Final details will be shared after recovery operations conclude, amid renewed focus on aviation safety.