An IAF basic trainer aircraft, a PC-7 Pilatus, crashed today near Tambram in the Chengalpattu district while on a routine training mission. Officials said that the pilot was safe, as he managed to eject from the aircraft moments before impact.
The incident happened near the Tambram Air Force Station, representing a serious mishap involving an aircraft important for the training of Air Force cadets.
Pilot Safe After Mid-Flight Ejection
The first concern right after the accident was about the pilot, who managed to turn on the safety mechanism in time.
Pilot Status: The IAF reported the pilot managed to eject from the single-engine turboprop aircraft and was reported safe, being airlifted shortly after parachuting to the ground.
Location: The aircraft fell near a salt-pan industrial area in Tiruporur, a desolate stretch of land south of Chennai, after it took off from the IAF Tambram Airbase. Authorities confirmed that no civilian injuries or damage to residential property were reported.
Mission: The PC-7 Pilatus was on a routine training sortie, used for beginner-level flight instruction across IAF training bases.
Court of Inquiry Ordered
The Indian Air Force has followed protocol to the letter, immediately initiating an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Investigation: A formal Court of Inquiry (CoI) has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, which initial reports from the accident spot suggest may have been due to a technical snag.
Aircraft Role: The PC-7 Pilatus Mk II, a Swiss-origin basic trainer, is a mainstay of the IAF's foundational flight instruction program. Today's crash puts the aircraft's performance and maintenance under close scrutiny by aviation and defence authorities.