IAF's two-seater aircraft 'force lands' in UP's Prayagraj after technical snag, pilots safe
New Delhi/Prayagraj (PTI): A two-seater microlite aircraft of the Indian Air Force was on Wednesday "force landed" in an uninhabited area in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj after it experienced a technical malfunction, the IAF said.
Both the pilots who were onboard the aircraft are safe, officials said.
In a post on X, the IAF also said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered by it to ascertain the cause of the incident.
A microlite aircraft is a small aircraft generally used for training, bird recce and survey purposes.
The aircraft met with an accident while it was on a routine sortie. The recovery system was initiated, and "both the pilots are safe". The aircraft was recovered from an open area away from the main city, they said.
"A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie, from AF Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hrs on 21 Jan 26, experienced technical malfunction, and was safely force landed in an uninhabitated area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property," the IAF said in the post.
Both the pilots who were onboard the aircraft are safe, it said. "A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by IAF to ascertain the cause," it added.
Authorities in Prayagraj have cordoned off the area, and an investigation into the incident is underway, officials said.
In Prayagraj, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya said the aircraft was on a sortie towards Phaphamau and the Sangam area when its engine developed a technical snag.
He said there were two pilots onboard and they executed a controlled and safe landing in a pond near K P College in the George Town police area.
With the help of police, fire brigade personnel and local residents, the pilots were rescued safely, Shandilya said, adding that divers played a crucial role in the rescue operation.
There were no reports of any casualties or damage, he said.
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Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
