IAF trainer aircraft crashes near Chennai, pilot narrowly escapes

An Indian Air Force (IAF) trainer aircraft crashed near Tambaram on Friday afternoon, sparking concerns. However, fortunately, the pilot ejected safely, officials confirmed.

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According to sources, the aircraft was on a routine training mission at the time of the incident, which occurred around 2.50 PM near Thandalam Bypass in Upallam, close to the town of Tiruporur, south of Chennai.

“A PC-7 Pilatus basic trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on a routine training mission crashed near Tambram in Chennai. However, the Pilot of the aircraft safely ejected. A Court of Inquiry to ascertain the cause has been ordered,” IAF said in a statement.

The aircraft, a single-seater PC-7 Pilatus trainer, plunged to the ground after the pilot deployed the ejection seat and parachuted safely to the ground.

Local villagers who witnessed the incident rushed to assist the pilot and provided immediate support until an IAF helicopter arrived on the scene within half an hour. The pilot was airlifted and returned to the IAF base.

Worth mentioning, the PC-7 Pilatus is a Swiss-manufactured aircraft designed for pilot training, preparing personnel for various roles, including flying jet aircraft and helicopters.

The aircraft is equipped with Martin-Baker ejection seats and a Pratt & Whitney Canada engine, ensuring safe operation, even for novice pilots.

The PC-7 Pilatus is used by several countries worldwide, including India, Austria, France, and the Netherlands.