Trainee Pilot Injured by Propeller at Kanpur Airport; DGCA Orders Investigation

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into an incident at Kanpur's Chakeri Airport where a trainee pilot was injured after being struck by the propeller of a moving aircraft. The incident occurred on the night of June 26, 2026, during a training flight conducted by Garg Aviation, a flying training organisation.

According to a DGCA statement released on June 28, the aircraft involved was a twin-engine Tecnam P2006T (registration VT-NBV) engaged in night instructional flying. On board were a flight instructor and a cadet. After landing, the trainee pilot exited the aircraft while the engine was still running. She sustained injuries to her back after being hit by the rotating propeller. She is currently admitted to a hospital in Kanpur.

In response, the DGCA has derostered the instructor concerned from flying training duties pending the outcome of the investigation. Additionally, the regulator has directed that the aircraft not be used until further notice. The DGCA is probing the circumstances that led to the incident, including adherence to standard operating procedures for engine shutdown and passenger disembarkation.

This incident highlights the critical importance of safety protocols in aviation training, particularly when engines are running. The DGCA's swift action aims to prevent such occurrences in the future and ensure that all training organisations comply with established safety norms.