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On January 21, 2026, around noon, a significant incident was narrowly avoided in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. A trainee microlight aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost control during a routine training flight and crashed into a pond located behind KP College in the heart of the city. The loud noise from the crash caused panic among local residents, but fortunately, both pilots on board were rescued without sustaining serious injuries.

The aircraft had taken off from the Bamrauli Air Force Station in Prayagraj and was engaged in standard training exercises. During the flight, it reportedly experienced a technical malfunction in the engine or lost its balance, leading to the descent into the pond. Some reports suggest that the emergency parachute was deployed, which helped avert a more severe disaster. This incident took place just three kilometers from the Mela grounds, where a large crowd was present.

Upon receiving news of the crash, local residents, students, and police teams quickly arrived at the scene. Students from KP College and nearby locals jumped into the pond to assist in rescuing the pilots from the muddy waters. Fire brigade, police, and IAF personnel conducted a coordinated rescue operation. Efforts are ongoing to retrieve the aircraft from the pond for further investigation.

Wing Commander Debartho Dhar, the spokesperson for the Indian Air Force in Prayagraj, confirmed that the aircraft involved was a two-seater microlight training aircraft. An in-depth investigation into the causes of the accident has been initiated. Thankfully, there were no civilian casualties or property damage reported.