Prayagraj | 21 January 2026:

An Indian Air Force (IAF) trainer aircraft crashed into a pond during a routine training sortie near the Prayagraj airport in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, triggering immediate rescue operations. Emergency teams rushed to the spot soon after the incident, and officials confirmed that both pilots on board were rescued safely with no loss of life.

According to eyewitnesses, the small propeller aircraft appeared to lose control mid-air before plunging into the water body. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site, prompting local residents to rush in and help before professional rescue teams arrived. Soon after, divers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire tenders reached the area and secured the scene.

Visuals from the location showed scattered wreckage of the aircraft across the ground, while a large crowd of onlookers gathered nearby. Rescue and recovery operations are still underway, and the aircraft has not yet been fully removed from the pond. Authorities said further details regarding the cause of the crash will be known after a detailed investigation.

This incident comes months after another IAF trainer aircraft crash reported in November last year near Tambaram in Chennai’s Chengalpattu district. In that case, the pilot ejected safely. Confirming the earlier incident, the IAF had said, “An Indian Air Force PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed at about 1425 Hr near Tambaram, Chennai, today. The pilot ejected safely, and no damage to civil property has been reported. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of accident.”

 IAF Trainer Aircraft Crashes Near Prayagraj, Both Pilots Rescued Safely

An Indian Air Force trainer aircraft crashed into a pond near the Prayagraj airport in Uttar Pradesh during a routine training flight on Wednesday. The incident caused panic in the area, but officials confirmed that both pilots were rescued safely, avoiding any loss of life.

Eyewitnesses said the small propeller aircraft seemed to lose balance in the air before suddenly diving into the water. Thick black smoke was seen at the crash site, after which local people rushed to help. Soon, teams from the NDRF and fire services reached the spot and took control of the rescue operation.

Pictures from the scene showed parts of the aircraft scattered around, while crowds gathered nearby. Rescue work is still ongoing, and the aircraft has not yet been fully removed from the pond. Authorities said a detailed investigation will be carried out to find the exact cause of the crash.

This incident brings back memories of a similar IAF trainer crash near Chennai last year, where the pilot had ejected safely. The Indian Air Force has assured that safety protocols are being followed and a probe will be conducted to understand what went wrong in the Prayagraj crash.