IAF Trainer Aircraft Crashes: IAF Trainer Aircraft Crashes: An Indian Air Force (IAF) trainer aircraft crashed into a pond during a routine training flight in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday. Emergency teams rushed to the scene near Air Force Station Bamrauli to secure the area.
Officials confirmed that both pilots on board were rescued safely.
Eyewitnesses Describe IAF Trainer Aircraft Crashes
People near the site reported that the small propeller-driven aircraft seemed to lose control before plunging into the water. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site. Local residents rushed to help until National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) divers and fire tenders arrived to manage the situation.
Videos and photographs from the scene showed wreckage scattered around the pond, with onlookers gathering nearby. The aircraft has not yet been fully recovered, and investigations are ongoing.
#WATCH | A trainee aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashes into a pond in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/jq5KyFW8Gc
— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2026
Details from IAF Spokesperson
Wing Commander Debartho Dhar, spokesperson for the Prayagraj Region, said the incident involved a two-seater microlight training aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The aircraft had taken off earlier from Bamrauli Air Force Station but developed a technical issue mid-flight. This forced an emergency parachute landing at 12:07 PM.
“Both IAF officers on board the aircraft have been rescued and are safe,” Wg Cdr Dhar confirmed.
Previous IAF Trainer Aircraft Crash
This is not the first IAF training aircraft incident in recent months. In November last year, an IAF aircraft, the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II, crashed near Tambaram in Chennai’s Chengalpattu district during a routine training mission.
The pilot ejected safely, and no damage to life or property was reported. The Indian Air Force confirmed that a Court of Inquiry had been set up to investigate the cause of the crash.
The IAF had stated, “An Indian Air Force PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed at about 1425 Hr near Tambaram, Chennai. The pilot ejected safely, and no damage to civil property has been reported. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of accident.”
