A private training aircraft operated by Red Bird Aviation crash landed in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district on Sunday, leaving two pilots injured. The incident occurred near Mangalore village when the light aircraft, travelling from Kalaburagi to Belagavi, encountered an engine malfunction during flight.
According to initial information, the aircraft was carrying a captain and a trainee pilot at the time of the incident. As the aircraft reportedly experienced technical trouble mid air, the pilots attempted an emergency landing. The plane ultimately went down in an agricultural field, preventing loss of life but resulting in serious injuries to both occupants.
Local residents rushed to the site after witnessing the crash. Emergency services were alerted, and the injured pilots were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Hospital sources stated that both individuals suffered injuries but were conscious when admitted. Their condition is reported to be stable.
Visuals from the crash site showed the aircraft overturned after impact, with significant damage to its nose section and fuselage. Parts of the plane were scattered across the field, indicating the force of the landing. Authorities secured the area soon after the incident to prevent public access and ensure safety.
Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft may have faced an engine malfunction or fuel related issue, though officials have not confirmed the exact cause. Aviation authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation to determine whether mechanical failure, fuel exhaustion, or operational factors led to the crash landing.
Red Bird Aviation operates training aircraft for pilot instruction, and the flight was reportedly part of a routine training or transit operation. Officials noted that training aircraft are designed to allow for emergency landings, which may have helped reduce the severity of the incident.
Local police and aviation officials visited the site and collected preliminary evidence. A technical inspection of the wreckage will be carried out as part of the investigation. Statements from the pilots are also expected once their medical condition permits.
The incident has drawn attention to aviation safety protocols, especially during training operations. Experts note that emergency preparedness and pilot training play a crucial role in managing in flight failures and minimising casualties during unexpected situations.
Authorities have confirmed that there were no civilian injuries or damage to nearby property. The farmer whose field was used for the emergency landing escaped unharmed.
Further updates are expected after the completion of the technical investigation. Aviation officials have assured that all necessary steps will be taken to identify the cause of the incident and ensure adherence to safety standards in future operations.
