Trainee Pilot Survives Emergency Landing Near Expressway in UP

A 28-year-old trainee pilot escaped unhurt after a trainer aircraft operated by Chetak Aviation crash-landed in a field in Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh , prompting a formal investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and raising fresh concerns over safety standards at flying training organisations.

The incident occurred on Monday when a Cessna 152 trainer aircraft (VT-AFB) , engaged in a solo training flight from Aligarh , was forced to make an emergency landing in an open field near an expressway in Kasganj. According to the DGCA, the aircraft was being flown by a woman trainee pilot who successfully brought it down without causing any injuries to herself or people on the ground.

In an official statement, the aviation regulator said, “ Chetak Aviation Cessna 152 aircraft VT-AFB engaged in solo flying at Aligarh has crash landed in a field in Kasganj. She (trainee pilot) is reported to be safe.” The DGCA further stated that the aircraft landed beside the e-way and that the pilot remained unharmed.

While the exact cause of the occurrence is yet to be determined, the DGCA has launched a detailed investigation into the incident. Preliminary inquiries are expected to examine the aircraft's maintenance history, operational procedures, weather conditions and communications before the emergency landing. Reports also suggest that Chetak Aviation's training operations have been temporarily suspended as a precaution pending the outcome of the probe.

The aircraft involved, a Cessna 152 , is a single-engine, two-seat aircraft widely used across the world for pilot training. Known for its reliability, simple handling characteristics and low operating costs, it remains one of the most common aircraft used by flying training academies.

The Kasganj crash-landing marks the second trainer-aircraft-related incident in Uttar Pradesh within four days , drawing renewed attention to aviation training safety. On June 26 , a woman cadet pilot sustained injuries at Kanpur's Chakeri Airport after being struck by the propeller of a Tecnam P2006T trainer aircraft belonging to Garg Aviation . According to the DGCA, the trainee had deboarded the aircraft while its engine was still running during a night instructional flight. She suffered injuries to her back and was admitted to a hospital in Kanpur.

Following that incident, the regulator derostered the instructor from flying duties , grounded the aircraft involved and initiated a separate investigation.

The back-to-back incidents come at a time when India's aviation sector is witnessing rapid growth and an increasing demand for trained commercial pilots. Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) are expanding operations to meet industry requirements, placing greater emphasis on safety oversight, instructor supervision and adherence to operational procedures.

Aviation experts note that while emergency landings are rare, the trainee pilot's ability to execute a controlled landing in an open field highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and quality flight training. However, the two incidents in quick succession are likely to intensify scrutiny of safety practices across training academies.

The findings of the DGCA investigations are expected to shape future safety measures and regulatory safeguards for India's growing pilot training ecosystem, ensuring that training standards keep pace with the country's rapidly expanding aviation industry.