A microlight trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, 21 January 2026. The incident occurred at around 12:07 pm during a routine training flight. Both the pilots present in the plane have been rescued safely and no civilian has been injured. In the initial investigation, technical fault has been said to be the reason for the accident.
How did the accident happen?
This two-seat microlight trainer aircraft of IAF fell into a pond near Air Force Station Bamrauli in Prayagraj. The plane took off from Bamrauli Air Force Station. There was a technical fault in the plane midway through the flight. After this the pilots had to do emergency parachute landing. Eyewitnesses said that the small propeller plane lost control and fell into the water. Local people immediately helped. Later, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) divers and fire brigade vehicles also reached the spot.
Who were the pilots and how did they survive?
A trainee pilot and an instructor pilot were on board the crashed plane. IAF’s Prayagraj area spokesperson Wing Commander Debartho Dhar said that both the pilots are fine. He was rescued safely after the accident. No citizen was injured in this incident. After the accident, black smoke and debris were seen spread at the spot.
What is the situation after the accident?
After the accident, the debris of the plane was scattered at the spot. The plane could not be taken out completely till noon. Investigation has been started to find out the exact cause of the accident. Further information is awaited.
Have such accidents happened before?
This is not the first case when an IAF trainer aircraft has crashed. Earlier in November 2025, an IAF trainer aircraft Pilatus PC-7 Mk II had also crashed near Tambaram, Chennai. The pilot had ejected safely in that accident. In that incident too, an inquiry was ordered and there was no loss of property.
Last Updated: 21 January 2026
