A Pilatus PC-7 MK-II basic trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Friday afternoon near Tambaram in Chennai’s Chengalpattu district during a routine training sortie.
Officials confirmed that the sole pilot on board successfully ejected from the aircraft and sustained only minor injuries. Following the ejection, the pilot was promptly rescued by emergency teams from the IAF and local agencies and then transported for a medical evaluation.
Residents in the vicinity reported hearing a loud noise, followed by the sight of the aircraft descending steeply. Fire and rescue services arrived at the crash site within minutes, working swiftly to extinguish small flames arising from the wreckage. Eyewitness accounts, supported by videos circulating on social media, depicted debris scattered across an open field. Fortunately, there were no civilian casualties or damage to property reported in the aftermath of the crash.
The aircraft took off shortly before the incident from the Air Force Station Tambaram, recognized as one of the IAF’s premier training bases. The Pilatus PC-7 MK-II, which has been in service since 2013, serves as a vital component of the basic flying training program for IAF cadets, boasting a commendable safety record.
In light of the incident, the Air Force has announced the initiation of a Court of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Investigators are expected to explore various factors, including potential technical malfunctions and human error.
Despite the crash, training operations at Tambaram are proceeding as scheduled, with authorities adhering to established safety protocols while they work to uncover the details that led to this unfortunate event.
