DGCA Launches Probe After Trainer Aircraft Overshoots Runway at Baramati
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a preliminary investigation into a runway excursion incident involving a trainer aircraft at Baramati airfield in Maharashtra on Sunday. The incident took place during a training exercise conducted by a DGCA-approved flying training organisation.
According to the DGCA Air Safety team, the aircraft involved was a Cessna C172, registered as VT-SEX, operated by the Academy of Carver Aviation. The aircraft was performing a Circuit and Landing Emergencies (CL Emergencies) training exercise, with Flight Instructor Capt. Chirag Shashikant Doifode and trainee Abhijeet Jundre on board.
The aircraft taxied out at approximately 12:09 IST for the scheduled exercise. During the sortie, the aircraft entered the runway via Link Bravo and lined up at the threshold of Runway 29, where a rejected take-off exercise was practised. Subsequently, the aircraft lined up at the threshold of Runway 11 and another rejected take-off exercise was carried out.
During the course of these exercises, the aircraft failed to stop within the paved runway surface and veered off the extended paved area beyond the threshold of Runway 29 towards the right side, resulting in a runway excursion. No injuries or fatalities were reported. The aircraft sustained prima facie damage to its propeller, engine cowling, and nose landing gear. A detailed damage assessment will be conducted by the competent authorities.
A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft departs the paved surface of a runway during take-off or landing. The DGCA's Air Safety team will examine factors such as aircraft performance, environmental conditions, and procedural adherence to ascertain the circumstances that led to the incident.
The DGCA has stated that further verified information will be shared as it becomes available. The investigation is part of ongoing oversight of flying training organisations in India to ensure compliance with safety standards.
