Directorate General of Civil Aviation probe into Belagavi trainer aircraft crash finds many deficiencies in training academy
On May 30, 2023, a 24-year-old student trainee pilot flying a TECNAM P2008JC aircraft was involved in a forced landing incident near Belagavi Airport while conducting a solo circuit and landing exercise.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has concluded an investigation into a trainer aircraft crash that occurred in Belagavi in 2023. The report found several deficiencies at the Redbird Flight Training Academy (RFTA) in Belagavi, including poor maintenance practices, a malfunctioning surveillance system, and inadequate manpower.
On May 30, 2023, a 24-year-old student pilot was conducting a solo circuit and landing exercise in a TECNAM P2008JC aircraft when the incident occurred. During the fourth circuit exercise, the student pilot experienced engine vibrations, a burning smell, and fluctuating RPM immediately after takeoff. Despite attempting to follow the engine failure procedure, the pilot was unable to gain altitude and opted for an emergency landing in a nearby field.
The aircraft sustained significant damage, but the pilot was unharmed. The probable cause of the crash was identified as improper purging of the oil system during engine installation, which led to the intake valve dropping into the combustion chamber and causing extensive damage. The report also noted that the use of unapproved fuel with a higher ethanol content contributed to the incident.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
