Trainer aircraft crashes in Seoni after hitting power line; pilot, instructor injured
Trainer aircraft crashes in Seoni after hitting power line; pilot, instructor injured
Trainer plane from Redbird Flight Training Academy crashes near Amgaon in Seoni after striking a 33kV line; both crew members are hospitalized but reported out of danger.
A trainer aircraft from Redbird Flight Training Academy, based in Seoni, crashed near agricultural fields at Amgaon after hitting a 33kV high-voltage power line while returning to the Sukatra airstrip on National Highway-44 at about 6:25 pm. The engine reportedly stopped generating power, officials said, and the lower part of the aircraft collided with the power line at the Badalpar substation, snapping the line and sending the trainer jet to the ground.
Rescue and relief operations were swift. Madhya Pradesh East Zone Electricity Distribution Company staff, along with villagers and police, reached the spot, rescued the injured crew, and transported them to a private hospital in Barapathar near Seoni city. The two occupants—pilot Ajit Chawda and flight instructor Ajit Anthony—are reported to be out of danger.
Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion and sparks as the aircraft’s wings touched the power line. The incident disrupted electricity supply in the surrounding area, drawing quick reaction from local authorities and power company personnel who helped secure the scene.
According to a Sarpanch from Amgaon, the aircraft had taken off from Sukatra airstrip and was returning when it crashed about 2 km from the runway. Seoni police officials said a team was dispatched to the crash site for assessment and safety arrangements. The Redbird Academy has cited engine failure as a possible cause, while investigators will review all aspects of the flight and the vicinity to determine the exact sequence of events.
The accident marks a reminder of the risks involved in training flights and highlights the need for ongoing safety reviews of flight paths and nearby infrastructure. Authorities said the investigation will involve multiple agencies to ensure a clear account of what happened and to prevent a recurrence.
Cover image source: Trainer aircraft crashes after hitting power line in MP's Seoni; pilot, instructor injured 🔗
