KANPUR: A twin-engine, four-seater private training school aircraft crashed near the Nattha Khera Ganga Barrage in India’s Kanpur city on Thursday morning, killing an instructor and a trainee pilot, according to Indian media reports.
Authorities identified the trainee pilot as Abhishek Pujari and the instructor pilot as Sachin Bhatia. Both pilots reportedly died at the crash site following the accident.
Emergency authorities immediately dispatched firefighting and rescue teams from Kanpur Nagar after receiving information about the crash. Subsequently, personnel reached the area near Nattha Khera Ganga Barrage and launched relief and recovery operations.
Emergency Teams Rush to Crash Site
The Chief Fire Officer supervised emergency operations at the site as firefighters and rescue personnel worked around the wreckage. Authorities also secured the surrounding area to facilitate rescue work and preliminary examination of the aircraft.
Officials had not immediately reported any casualties or damage on the ground. However, emergency teams continued operations while investigators began collecting information about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The aircraft belonged to Garg Aviation, which operates a flying school from the Civil Aerodrome and provides flight training to aspiring pilots.
Investigation Launched Into Cause of Accident
Meanwhile, authorities have yet to determine what caused the aircraft to crash. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage, flight conditions and available operational records to establish the sequence of events leading to the accident.
Officials have not disclosed whether the pilots reported a technical problem or other emergency before the aircraft went down.
Furthermore, investigators are expected to review the aircraft’s maintenance history and training-flight information as part of their inquiry.
Authorities are likely to release additional details after completing the initial investigation and examining evidence recovered from the crash site.
