Trainee Aircraft Collides With Power Line in Madhya Pradesh: Two Pilots Injured But Stable

Trainer pilot Ajit Anthony and trainee pilot Ashok Chawda were occupying the aircraft when it crashed.

A training aircraft collided with a 33 kV high-voltage power line before crashing in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district on Monday. The accident took place approximately at 6:30 pm near Amgaon fields, about two kilometers from the Suktara airstrip. Local residents witnessed alarming sparks and heard a loud explosion before the aircraft descended into a nearby field.

The aircraft operated by Red Bird Aviation Company had departed from Sukatra airstrip and was approaching for landing when its wing reportedly struck the lower portion of the high-voltage line connected to the Badalpar substation. The collision caused an immediate trip in the power line, which officials believe prevented a potentially catastrophic fire or more severe explosion.

Both trainer pilot Ajit Anthony and trainee pilot Ashok Chawda suffered injuries in the crash. However, according to statements from police and medical personnel, neither pilot is in critical condition. Vigilant villagers who heard the explosion hurried to the crash site and promptly transported both pilots to a nearby medical facility.

"We saw the plane suddenly drop and its wing contact the wires. Sparks erupted everywhere. We rushed toward the field expecting a fire to break out," recounted one eyewitness. Video footage captured by local residents showing the crashed aircraft and damaged power infrastructure has subsequently gone viral across social media platforms.

Local residents claim that training aircraft have previously overturned twice while moving on the runway. They allege that neither the aviation company nor district administration has implemented appropriate safety measures. "If this negligence persists, a major tragedy will eventually occur," warned one concerned villager.

Police officials have verified the crash and launched an investigation into the incident. A technical team from the power department also arrived at the location shortly after the accident to assess the damaged power line.

Authorities have indicated that the precise reason for the loss of aircraft control—whether attributable to pilot error, mechanical failure, or incorrect flight trajectory—will be determined following the completion of their investigation.