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Cessna trainee pilot in Gujarat lost contact with controller around 10 nautical miles from March 31 crash site: AAIB report

The plane had crashed in a field in Ucharpi village of Mehsana district.

The cessna trainer plane had crashed in a field in Ucharpi village of Mehsana district in Gujarat.

According to the report, the pilot was flying solo for a cross-country training exercise. The planned route was from Mehsana to Banswara, then Deesa, and back to Mehsana. (Source: Express file)

A preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on the March 31 Cessna trainer crash in Mehsana says the aircraft lost contact with the APP (S&P) Controller around 10 nautical miles from the destination.

The plane had crashed in a field in Ucharpi village of Mehsana district. The trainee pilot, though injured, survived. Local police had registered the incident.

According to the report, the pilot was flying solo for a cross-country training exercise. The planned route was from Mehsana to Banswara, then Deesa, and back to Mehsana.

The aircraft, a 1984 model, was owned and operated by Blue Ray Aviation Pvt Ltd.

“There were no abnormal reports from the aircraft until it was inbound to Mehsana after overflying Deesa,” the report stated. “Ten nautical miles from Mehsana, the aircraft was in contact with Mehsana ATC (Ground VHF, maintained by BRAPL). However, communication was intermittent. As per one Assistant Flight Instructor’s statement, the trainee pilot last reported at 4 NM inbound Mehsana at 2000 ft. After that, there was no further communication with ATC.”

The report added: “The aircraft crashed in a field in Ucharpi village, triggering the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). Villagers nearby saw the low-flying aircraft and rushed to the site. They rescued the unconscious pilot and took her to the hospital immediately.”

Citing a report from Ahmedabad ATC, the AAIB report noted: “At 12:58:52 UTC, VT-PBA contacted the APP (S&P) Controller. The trainee requested her position and vectors to Mehsana. She reported maintaining 3500 feet. The controller gave regular vectors and position updates. At 13:04:27 UTC, the aircraft lost contact, around 10 NM from Mehsana.”

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The AAIB team visited the crash site. It collected engine parts, fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluid samples. Investigators also interviewed the trainee pilot and the flight instructor.

Parimal A Dabhi

Parimal A Dabhi works with The Indian Express as Chief of Bureau, focusing on the state of Gujarat. Leveraging his seniority and access, Dabhi is recognized for his reporting on the complex interplay of law, politics, social justice, and governance within the region. Expertise & Authority Core Authority (Social Justice and Law): Dabhi is a key source for in-depth coverage of caste-based violence, discrimination, and the state's response to social movements, particularly those involving Patidar, Dalit and OBC communities. His reporting focuses on the societal and legal fallout of these issues: Caste and Discrimination: He has reported extensively on social boycotts and instances of violence against Dalits (such as the attack on a Dalit wedding party in Patan), the community's demands (like refusing to pick carcasses), and the political responses from leaders like Jignesh Mevani. Judicial and Legal Affairs: He tracks significant, high-stakes legal cases and judgments that set precedents in Gujarat, including the convictions under the stringent Gujarat Animal Preservation Act (cow slaughter), 2002 Gujarat riots and developments in cases involving former police officers facing charges of wrongful confinement and fake encounters. Political and Administrative Oversight: Dabhi provides essential coverage of the inner workings of the state government and the opposition, ensuring a high degree of Trustworthiness in political analysis: State Assembly Proceedings: He frequently reports directly from the Gujarat Assembly, covering Question Hour, discussion on various Bills, debates on budgetary demands for departments like Social Justice, and ministerial statements on issues like illegal mining, job quotas for locals, and satellite-based farm loss surveys. Electoral Politics: His work details key political developments, including election analysis (voter turnout records), party organizational changes (like the end of C R Patil’s tenure as BJP chief), and campaign dynamics. ... Read More

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