DGCA suspends Redbird Flight Training Academy operations after two crash landings

Following two incidents of crash landing in just one week, India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has suspended the operations of Redbird Flight Training Academy at all its bases. The incidents, which occurred at the institute's Baramati facility in Maharashtra, indicate a gap in maintenance and operational elements, according to a senior official.

Special Maintenance Audit and Proficiency Checks

The DGCA is also conducting a special maintenance audit and proficiency checks for the trainer/examiners of Redbird before allowing it to resume operations. In one of the two crash landing incidents, the crew suffered minor injuries as well.

Two Incidents in One Week

The incidents happened on October 19 and October 22. During the last one week, Redbird Flight Training Academy's aircraft have been involved in two occurrences leading to crash landing of the aircraft. These occurrences indicate a gap in maintenance and operational elements. DGCA has accordingly suspended the operations of Redbird Flight Training Academy at all their bases in the country, the official said.

First Incident: Engine-Related Snag and Loss of Power

According to the official, in the first incident which took place on October 19, the single-engine Tecnam P2008JC aircraft bearing registration no VT-RBC took off from runway11 at Baramati with the sole occupant -- CFI Certified Flight Instructor -- on board. During the initial climb at around 100 feet, the crew experienced an engine-related snag and loss of power. The crew decided to discontinue the sortie and crash-landed just outside the fence towards the north of the field.

This sortie was undertaken to assess the snag abnormal noise and brake issue observed in the previous sortie. However, the CFI did not notify/record the snag for appropriate action by the aircraft maintenance engineer, the official said, adding that due to impact, post-crash landing aircraft sustained substantial damage while the crew suffered minor injuries.

Second Incident: Loss of Power and Forced Landing

In the second incident involving the same type of aircraft that happened on October 22, while climbing to a cleared altitude of 2,500 feet, the aircraft experienced loss of power. The official said the instructor discontinued the sortie and carried out the forced landing in a field at around two nautical miles from the airport. After impact, the aircraft turned upside down and there was damage to the landing gear, propeller, wings and fuselage but there were no injuries to any of the occupants.

This aircraft with two occupants, including an instructor and a trainee, was carrying out general flying training sortie at Baramati.

RedBird's Fleet and DGCA's Action

RedBird has a fleet of 30 aircraft, including both single and twin-engine planes. The DGCA's suspension of Redbird's operations is a significant step aimed at ensuring the safety of flight training in India. The regulator's thorough investigation and audit of the academy's maintenance and operational procedures will help address the gaps identified and prevent future incidents.

The DGCA's prompt action in suspending Redbird Flight Training Academy's operations reflects its commitment to upholding safety standards in Indian aviation. The special maintenance audit and proficiency checks will ensure that the academy meets the required standards before being allowed to resume operations. This incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance and adherence to safety protocols in flight training to prevent avoidable accidents and injuries.