22/01/2026
Earlier today, an Indian Air Force (IAF) microlight trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training sortie in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Both pilots on board ejected safely and were rescued, thanks to the swift action of local residents and emergency teams.
The crash occurred around noon, with no civilian casualties or damage to property reported. Footage from the site shows wreckage scattered and parts of the aircraft still burning, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Authorities, including police and fire services, responded immediately, while the IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause. Videos confirm both pilots ejected safely and were recovered without injury.
This incident follows a string of recent training mishaps in the IAF, including a Pilatus PC-7 crash near Chennai last November and an IAF Jaguar jet crash in Haryana last March, both of which had no civilian casualties.
The bravery of the local community in aiding the pilots has been widely praised, turning a frightening accident into a story of courage and solidarity. Their quick thinking ensured that lives were saved in a potentially deadly situation.
Our thoughts are with the pilots and their families, and we commend the heroic efforts of Prayagraj residents for their courage under pressure.
