What caused the IAF aircraft's emergency landing in UP's Prayagraj?

A two-seater microlite aircraft—a small aircraft generally used for training, bird recce and survey purposes—of the Indian Air Force (IAF) met with an accident in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj on Wednesday during a routine sortie.

Both the pilot and the other crew member who were onboard the aircraft are safe, defence sources said.

The recovery system was initiated, and "both the crew are safe", the sources said. The aircraft was recovered from an open area away from the main city.

"Around 12 noon today, a microlight aircraft of IAF with two crew, which was on a training mission, conducted an emergency landing. The two crew are safe, and a court of inquiry has been ordered," news agency ANI quoted Wing Commander Debartho Dhar, PRO Defence, Prayagraj, as saying.

“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 uninhabitated area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property,” an official statement from the IAF said.

Authorities in Prayagraj have cordoned off the area, and an investigation into the incident is underway, news agency PTI reported.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya said the aircraft was on a sortie towards Phaphamau and the Sangam area when its engine developed a technical snag.

He said there were two pilots onboard and they executed a controlled and safe landing in a pond near K P College in the George Town police area. With the help of police, fire brigade personnel and local residents, the pilots were rescued safely, Shandilya said, adding that divers played a crucial role in the rescue operation.

There were no reports of any casualties or damage, he said.

According to a Hindustan Times report, eyewitnesses said the aircraft appeared to lose control before it drove into the water, and thick smoke was seen billowing from the area.