Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu) (PTI): A private trainer aircraft made an emergency landing on the national highway in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district after its windshield cracked mid-flight following a technical snag, police said on Friday.

Both occupants - a pilot and a trainee - escaped unhurt, the police official said.

The aircraft, a Cessna 172 belonging to a Kerala-based private flight training company was flying from Salem airport to Karaikudi in Sivaganga district on November 13, when the pilot noticed a crack in the front windshield around 12.45 pm.

"The single-engine Cessna 172 skyhawk made an emergency landing on the Trichy-Pudukkottai highway near Narthamalai. No one on the ground was hurt either," the official said.

Following the landing, the crew informed the aviation firm, which alerted the Tiruchirappalli airport authorities.

Airport officials said the aircraft's engine developed a snag. A detailed enquiry will be ordered to ascertain the issues with the aircraft, they said.

Traffic on the highway was disrupted for a brief time due to the landing of the aircraft. Local police, who rushed to the spot, quickly restored the traffic.

 

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New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman -- countries which enjoy civilizational ties and exceptional bilateral relations with India.

"First, I will be visiting Jordan, on the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. This historic visit will mark 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," the prime minister said in his departure statement.

Modi will hold detailed discussions with Jordanian King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and will also meet Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah.

In his first visit to Ethiopia, the prime minister will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.

The prime minister will also hold discussions with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and meet the Indian diaspora.

"On the final leg of my journey, I will visit the Sultanate of Oman. My visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman," Modi said.

In Muscat, the prime minister will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman on strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as a strong commercial and economic relationship.

"I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country's development and in enhancing our partnership," Modi said.