Indian Air Force’s trainee aircraft crashes in Prayagraj pond, pilot ejects safely | Watch video

A training aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force made an emergency landing in a pond in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday afternoon. The incident prompted swift response from rescue and emergency teams. According to officials, the crash took place after the aircraft suffered a sudden technical fault mid-air, forcing the pilots to make an immediate forced landing. Both officers on board managed to eject safely, and no damage to civilian life or property was reported.

Incident and emergency response

The aircraft, which was operating from Air Force Station Bamrauli, was on a routine training sortie when it met with the accident. Officials said the crash occurred near the Rambagh area of Prayagraj around 12:30 PM. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the small aircraft descending rapidly before it hit the water surface of a nearby pond.

VIDEO | Uttar Pradesh: A trainee aircraft has reportedly crashed into a water body in Prayagraj. Rescue operations underway. More details are awaited.#Prayagraj

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/r62ZjtoRhh

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 21, 2026

Local authorities and Air Force rescue teams quickly reached the site after receiving information about the incident. Divers and district administration teams were deployed to secure the area and recover parts of the aircraft. The prompt response helped prevent any secondary hazards or injuries to nearby residents.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Manish Shandilya confirmed that both pilots successfully ejected using emergency parachutes before the crash. He stated that the incident occurred due to an unexpected engine malfunction and assured that there had been no harm to civilians or surrounding property.

Statement from the air force

In an official communication on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Indian Air Force confirmed the occurrence and provided details of the incident. “A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie from Air Force Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hours on 21 January 26, experienced a technical malfunction and was safely force landed in an uninhabited area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property. Both pilots on board are safe. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause,” the statement read.

Defence PRO Wing Commander Debartho Dhar also released a statement mentioning that it was a standard training mission. He confirmed that the condition of both officers is stable and that further details will be available once the inquiry is complete.

Technical malfunction and preliminary findings

According to sources, the aircraft involved was mainly used for monitoring bird activity and other short-distance exercises. Initial findings suggest that the engine may have failed abruptly during flight, leaving the pilots with little time to react. Their quick decision to use emergency procedures helped avoid a potential disaster.

Officials have identified the officers on board as Group Captain Praveen Agarwal, Chief Operating Officer at Air Force Station Bamrauli, and Group Captain Sunil Kumar Pandey, Chief Administrative Officer at the same station. Both officers were conducting a flight exercise at the time of the mishap.

Ongoing investigation

A team of technical experts and investigators from the Air Force has reached the site to collect evidence for the Court of Inquiry. The wreckage is being examined to trace the cause of the engine failure.

This incident marks the second aviation-related emergency reported this month. As rescue and recovery operations continue in Prayagraj, authorities have cordoned off the area for safety purposes and further inspection.