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Locals rush to rescue 2 IAF pilots after emergency landing in Prayagraj pond, heartwarming video goes viral

The two-seater microlite aircraft was on a routine sortie from Air Force Station Bamrauli when it developed a technical snag mid-flight.

3 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jan 22, 2026 01:49 PM IST

The IAF confirmed that both pilots are safe and that standard recovery procedures have been initiated (Image source: @oc_.alpha.sp/Instagram)

Locals in Prayagraj rushed to help two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots after a microlite aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in a sparsely inhabited area on Wednesday following a technical glitch.

According to the IAF, the two-seater microlite aircraft was on a routine sortie from Air Force Station Bamrauli when it developed a technical snag mid-flight. The pilots successfully landed the aircraft, averting any damage to civilians or property.

“A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie from AF Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hrs on 21 Jan 26, experienced technical malfunction and was safely force landed in an uninhabited area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property,” the IAF said in a post on X.

A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie, from
AF Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hrs on 21 Jan 26, experienced technical malfunction, and was safely force landed in an uninhabitated area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property. Both the…

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 21, 2026

Moments after the force landing, residents from nearby areas rushed to the spot on noticing the aircraft in a pond. A video of the incident shows the two pilots, in uniform, walking safely towards the shore, accompanied and escorted by locals.

The IAF confirmed that both pilots are safe and that standard recovery procedures have been initiated. “The recovery system has been activated, and a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the incident,” the IAF added.

The prompt response of the residents is winning hearts on social media.

Watch here:

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A post shared by OBITO • SARCASTIC CULTURE (@oc_.alpha.sp)

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“Humanity still exists,” a user wrote. “This is what real India, without politician,” another user commented. “It’s good to know that pilots are safe landed. But IAF need complete overhauling in training courses,” a third user reacted.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya said there were two pilots onboard and they executed a controlled and safe landing in a pond near K P College in the George Town police area, as reported by PTI.

He added that the rescue operation was carried out successfully with the help of fire brigade personnel and local residents.