Cessna 172 Trainer Crash-Lands in Karnataka; Pilots Safe, Fuel Starvation Suspected
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Redbird Flight Training Academy's Cessna 172 (VT-EUC) crash-landed near Belagavi due to suspected fuel starvation; both pilots are safe; DGCA is investigating.
Key Takeaways
- •The 50-year-old Cessna 172 (VT-EUC) crash-landed near Belagavi due to suspected fuel starvation; both pilots survived with minor injuries.
- •The DGCA and AAIB are investigating the incident, focusing on operational and maintenance practices at Redbird Flight Training Academy.
- •Redbird's operations were briefly suspended by the DGCA in October 2023 following five serious incidents in a six-month period, citing maintenance and operational gaps.
A Cessna 172 trainer aircraft operated by Redbird Flight Training Academy made a forced landing in an open field in Karnataka on Sunday. The incident occurred near Vijayapura, approximately 50 to 70 kilometers from Belagavi Airport. The two occupants, an instructor and a trainee pilot, were reported safe with minor injuries after the crash. The aircraft, registered as VT-EUC, broke into three pieces upon impact.
Initial reports from the Civil Aviation Ministry indicate the forced landing was due to suspected fuel starvation experienced by the aircraft. The two-seater plane was on a cross-country flight from Kalaburagi to Belagavi. The instructor, Captain Kunal Malhotra, had 734 hours of flying experience.
Regulatory Investigation and Aircraft Details
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a joint probe. The investigation will determine the exact cause of the Cessna 172 crash landing Karnataka and assess operational compliance. This is a critical step for aviation safety India.
The aircraft involved is a 1975 model, making it approximately 50 years old. Despite its age, the ministry confirmed its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) was issued on August 1, 2025, and is valid until August 3, 2026. The ARC ensures the aircraft is fit to fly after inspection.
Redbird Flight Training Academy, one of India’s largest, has a fleet of 48 planes. Its Flying Training Organisation (FTO) approval from the DGCA is valid until July 22, 2030.
Context of Previous Incidents
This latest Redbird Flight Training Academy incident brings the academy under renewed regulatory scrutiny. The DGCA had previously suspended Redbird's operations across all its bases in October 2023. This action followed a series of mishaps, including five serious incidents in a six-month period.
- The DGCA cited gaps in maintenance and operational elements as the reason for the 2023 suspension.
- Previous incidents involved engine-related issues and loss of power in other training aircraft.
- The AAIB alleged non-cooperation from the academy during earlier probes, including the removal of crucial evidence.
Industry Impact and Safety Concerns
The recurrence of serious incidents raises significant concerns about pilot training aircraft accident rates. The focus of the DGCA investigation fuel starvation will be on pre-flight checks and operational oversight. Fuel starvation is an avoidable error that points to potential lapses in flight planning or crew monitoring.
The safety record of Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) is paramount for the future of commercial aviation. India is rapidly expanding its airline industry, requiring thousands of new pilots. Maintaining rigorous standards is essential to ensure a safe pipeline of new aviators. The DGCA has been conducting audits of other flight schools to assess safety standards across the industry. The outcome of the investigation into the VT-EUC forced landing will likely lead to further regulatory action or policy changes for FTOs.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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