Training Aircraft Crash at Madhya Pradesh's Dhana Airstrip Raises Aviation Safety Concerns

According to Chimes Aviation Academy staff, the trainee pilot lost control during the landing procedure.

A potential disaster was averted Wednesday afternoon when a training aircraft crashed near Madhya Pradesh's Dhana airstrip runway as officials were preparing to evacuate an injured soldier. The incident created immediate panic among administrative officers, rescue teams, and airstrip personnel who witnessed the unexpected crash.

The accident occurred approximately at 3 pm, just before the scheduled airlift operation. A Chimes Aviation Academy trainee pilot was attempting to land when the aircraft's nose suddenly dipped downward, causing the plane to veer off the runway and crash into the ground.

Witnesses described hearing a loud impact noise followed by the aircraft sliding several meters across the ground before stopping completely.

Officials present at the scene momentarily froze in shock as the training aircraft struck the ground, but emergency response teams reacted immediately, extracting the pilot from the cockpit and transferring him to the medical facility via ambulance. Reports indicate the pilot is completely unharmed and not in any danger.

The incident is particularly concerning as high-ranking district officials were present when the crash happened. Sagar Range Inspector General of Police Himani Khanna, the Collector, and the Superintendent of Police were all at the airstrip overseeing arrangements for airlifting a soldier injured in a separate road incident. Officials acknowledged that had the crash occurred moments earlier, while personnel were positioned on the runway for the evacuation, the outcome could have been devastating.

Local sources indicate this isn't the first training aircraft accident at the Dhana airstrip, with multiple similar incidents occurring in recent years. Critics suggest some training aircraft are outdated and inadequately maintained, heightening accident risks. Despite recurring incidents, neither the administration nor aviation authorities have implemented substantial safety improvements.

Chimes Aviation Academy staff explained that the trainee pilot lost control during landing. The aircraft deviated sideways, missed the primary runway area, and crashed before stabilizing. An official investigation has been initiated to identify the exact cause of the failure.

This incident follows just two days after another training aircraft accident in Seoni on November 8. In that case, a Red Bird Aviation aircraft collided with a 33 kV high-voltage power line, injuring instructor pilot Ajit Anthony and trainee pilot Ashok Chhabra. The aircraft, departing from Sukatra airstrip, hit the power line at Badalpar substation, causing a significant explosion and scattering sparks across the area before crashing into a field.

With two training aircraft crashes occurring within 72 hours, serious concerns are being raised regarding the safety standards of aviation training operations in Madhya Pradesh, particularly as both incidents could potentially have resulted in major tragedies.