Quick thinking by Indian Air Force pilots and timely help from local residents prevented a major incident on Wednesday after a microlite aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in an uninhabited pond in the George Town area of the city. The aircraft developed a technical problem while on a routine training flight, prompting the pilots to land it safely.

 According to the Indian Air Force, the two-seater microlite had taken off from Air Force Station Bamrauli when it faced a technical snag mid-air. The pilots managed to control the situation and ensured a safe landing without causing any harm to people or property on the ground. The IAF later confirmed the incident through an official statement.

“A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie from AF Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hrs on 21 Jan 26, experienced technical malfunction and was safely force landed in an uninhabited pond, ensuring no damage to civil life or property,” the IAF said in a post on X. Soon after the landing, locals rushed to the spot and helped the pilots and assisted rescue teams until authorities arrived.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya said both pilots were safe and had executed a controlled landing in a pond near K P College in the George Town police station area. Fire brigade teams and residents jointly carried out the rescue. The incident also triggered strong reactions online, with users praising local support. “Humanity still exists,” a user wrote. “This is what real India, without politician,” another commented, while a third said, “It’s good to know that pilots are safe landed. But IAF need complete overhauling in training courses.”