Kanpur: A female trainee pilot sustained serious injuries after being struck by the rotating propeller of a training aircraft at Chakeri Airport in Kanpur during a night instructional flying session on June 26. Following the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an investigation, removed the instructor from flying training duties and grounded the aircraft involved until the probe is completed.
The incident occurred at Garg Aviation Flight Training Organisation, where a twin-engine Tecnam P2006T aircraft bearing registration VT-NBV was conducting a scheduled night instructional flight. According to the DGCA, the aircraft had safely landed before the trainee pilot deboarded while one of the engines was still running.
As she exited the aircraft, the trainee pilot came into contact with the rotating propeller, resulting in severe injuries. She was immediately rushed to a hospital in Kanpur, where she is currently undergoing treatment. Authorities have not yet disclosed the extent of her injuries or her present medical condition.
DGCA initiates investigation
The aviation regulator has launched a formal investigation into the incident, which has been classified as a ground collision involving the trainee pilot and the aircraft.
In an official statement, the DGCA said the instructor associated with the flight has been removed from flying training duties pending the outcome of the inquiry. The regulator has also directed that the Tecnam P2006T aircraft involved in the occurrence must not be used for any operations until the investigation is completed.
“The involved instructor has been off-rostered from flying training duties pending investigation,” the DGCA stated, adding that there will be “no utilisation of the aircraft involved in the occurrence pending investigation.”
The inquiry is expected to examine whether standard operating procedures and ground safety protocols were followed after the aircraft landed.
Incident occurred after aircraft landed
According to preliminary information, the training aircraft had completed its night instructional sortie and landed safely at Chakeri Airport. However, instead of waiting for the engine shutdown procedure to be completed, the trainee pilot reportedly exited the aircraft while the propeller was still rotating.
Aircraft propellers can remain extremely dangerous even when operating at low engine power, particularly during post-landing procedures. Flight training organisations follow strict safety guidelines requiring all occupants to remain clear of the propeller arc until the engines are completely shut down and the instructor confirms that it is safe to disembark.
The investigation will likely determine whether there was any lapse in communication, supervision or adherence to these established procedures.
Instructor removed from training duties
As an immediate precautionary measure, the DGCA has directed Garg Aviation Flight Training Organisation to remove the instructor from flying training responsibilities during the investigation.
The regulator has also grounded the aircraft involved to facilitate a detailed technical and operational examination. Investigators are expected to review cockpit procedures, instructor actions, maintenance records, communication between the instructor and trainee, and compliance with DGCA-approved training protocols.
The findings of the investigation will determine whether any disciplinary or regulatory action is required against the flight training organisation or personnel involved.
Importance of ground safety in flight training
While aviation training is governed by stringent operational standards, incidents involving moving aircraft propellers continue to highlight the importance of ground safety awareness.
Training organisations regularly emphasise safe boarding and deboarding procedures, particularly during night operations when visibility may be comparatively lower. Instructors are responsible for ensuring trainees remain clear of hazardous areas until engines are shut down and all safety checks are completed.
The DGCA’s investigation is expected to identify the sequence of events leading to the accident and recommend measures, if necessary, to prevent similar incidents at flying training organisations across the country.
Conclusion
The Kanpur accident has once again drawn attention to the critical importance of strict adherence to aviation ground safety procedures during flight training. With the trainee pilot receiving medical treatment, the DGCA’s investigation will seek to establish responsibility, identify any procedural lapses and recommend corrective measures to enhance safety standards at flight training academies.