A private training aircraft operated by Red Bird Aviation crash-landed in Vijayapura, Karnataka, after developing a sudden engine malfunction during a routine flight on Sunday afternoon. The light aircraft was en route from Kalaburagi to Belagavi when the technical issue reportedly caused a loss of power mid-air, forcing an emergency descent near Mangalore village. The aircraft went down in an open area, narrowly avoiding residential zones, which helped prevent a larger tragedy.
Onboard were a senior captain and a trainee pilot, both of whom sustained injuries during the impact. Local residents rushed to the site moments after the crash and alerted emergency services, following which ambulances transported the injured pilots to a nearby hospital for treatment. Medical sources said the injuries were serious but not life-threatening, and both individuals remain under observation. Authorities quickly cordoned off the crash site to secure debris and ensure public safety.
Preliminary assessments suggest a mechanical fault in the engine system as the primary cause of the accident, though a detailed technical investigation has been initiated to determine whether maintenance lapses or component failure played a role. Aviation safety officials are expected to examine flight data, aircraft history, and maintenance records in the coming days. The incident has once again raised concerns about safety standards in private flight training operations across Karnataka, especially as demand for commercial pilots continues to grow rapidly in India’s expanding aviation sector.
