IAF lauds Jaguar pilot for averting tragedy in Ambala

IAF lauds pilot who managed to jettison the fuel tanks, a task performed to allow him to reduce the weight which could cause structural damage during the emergency landing. A bird hit had resulted in the failure of one of its engines.

New Delhi:The Indian Air Force (IAF), in a series of tweets, hailed the young pilot of the Jaguar aircraft for jettisoning and averting a major tragedy, following the engine failure in the jet due to a bird strike.

According to reports, the aircraft, with two additional fuel drop tanks and Carrier Bomb Light Stores (CBLS) pods, took off from the Air Force Station, Ambala for a training mission on Thursday.

Immediately after takeoff, it encountered a flock of birds. The bird hit resulted in the failure of one of its engines.

The pilot reportedly jettisoned fuel tanks and small practice bombs to perform the emergency landing.

"His actions bear testimony to the highest professional standards of the IAF, resulting from extensive operational training," the IAF said.

"The professionalism and quick thinking of the pilot not only saved a war-waging asset but also the lives of the many civilians residing in the area adjoining the airfield," it added.

The mid-air fuel-dumping operation was carried out in a residential area in Haryana.

The pilot managed to land back safely at the Ambala airbase.

Read: IAF pilot jettisons fuel tanks following engine failure