A trainee pilot sustained serious injuries after being struck by a running propeller while deboarding a twin-engine training aircraft at Kanpur’s Chakeri airport on June 26, 2026. The incident, involving a Tecnam P2006T aircraft registered as VT-NBV, prompted immediate action by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which ordered an investigation and grounded the aircraft pending findings. The trainee, identified as 22-year-old Riya Batra from New Delhi, was admitted to a hospital in Kanpur with back injuries. According to reports, Batra attempted to exit the aircraft before both engines had been fully shut down, violating standard operating procedures. The DGCA stated that it is examining whether she exited on her own initiative or was instructed to do so prematurely.
The aircraft, operated by Garg Aviation, a flying training organisation based in Kanpur, was engaged in a night instructional sortie. During the landing phase, Batra deboarded the aircraft with the engine still running, leading to her injury. The DGCA noted that the incident occurred after the aircraft had landed and was coming to a halt. The flight instructor, Captain Raunak, who has over 5,000 flying hours, reportedly noticed Batra’s attempt to exit and immediately called for her to stop while simultaneously switching off the engines. However, before the engines fully stopped, the propeller struck Batra on her back and buttocks, causing the injury. Emergency medical assistance was provided on-site, and Batra was later transported to a private hospital in Kanpur for further treatment.
Garg Aviation’s safety manager, Group Captain Rajeev Bhalla, explained that the incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. and that the aircraft had landed and was in the process of stopping when Batra attempted to exit. He emphasized that the standard operating procedure mandates that both engines must be completely shut down before any pilot exits the aircraft. According to Bhalla, the aircraft’s design includes mechanisms to prevent the door from opening while the engine is running, including an electro-mechanical device that locks the door latch when the left engine is operational. Despite these safeguards, Batra managed to open the door using an emergency override, though the reasons behind her actions remain unclear.
Bhalla also mentioned that the DGCA had previously transferred its Director of Flight Training in January 2026 following allegations of unsafe practices by Garg Aviation. These included claims that the organisation conducted flights with insufficient visibility, potentially endangering trainee pilots and nearby commercial aircraft. The Association of Flight Training Organisations (AFTO) had raised concerns about rule violations by Garg Aviation, leading to the transfer of the director. Industry insiders have questioned the use of emergency overrides in such situations, suggesting that instructors should have intervened more swiftly to prevent the incident.
The DGCA has directed that the aircraft involved in the incident should not be used until the investigation concludes. Additionally, the instructor involved, Captain Raunak, has been temporarily removed from flying training duties. The organisation has also initiated internal investigations to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the incident. Meanwhile, Batra’s recovery is being monitored, and her prognosis suggests that the injuries will not hinder her future in aviation. Doctors have advised that she may return to flying within two to two and a half months, contingent upon her full recovery.
As the DGCA continues its probe, the incident has sparked broader discussions about safety protocols in flight training. Aviation experts and regulators are calling for stricter adherence to operating procedures and increased oversight of training organisations. The case highlights the critical importance of proper training and vigilance in maintaining safety standards during flight operations. With the investigation ongoing, the outcome may lead to changes in training practices and regulatory measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
6 reports
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 907 days agoA trainee pilot sustained injuries at Kanpur's Chakeri airport when she exited a plane while the engine was still running, leading to an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The incident occurred during night instructional flying on Friday, June 26, 2026, involving a Garg Aviation aircraft. Following the accident, the flight instructor was removed from duty, and the aircraft was grounded until the investigation concludes. According to the DGCA, the trainee pilot was struck by the running propeller after exiting the plane prematurely. Safety protocols emphasize shutting down both engines before exiting, but the trainee reportedly used an emergency override to open the door. Garg Aviation's safety manager explained that the incident might have been caused by the trainee using this override without a clear reason. Industry experts questioned why the instructor did not intervene promptly, suggesting CCTV footage may clarify the situation.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of an aviation incident, including statements from the DGCA, Garg Aviation, and industry insiders. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The focus is on the event itself, safety procedures, and the regulatory/
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): Consistent with other sources on the injury, aircraft, and DGCA response. Neutral tone and factual reporting without bias.
Times of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 908 days agoA 22-year-old trainee pilot from New Delhi sustained back injuries after being struck by a still-running propeller while exiting a Tecnam P2006T aircraft at Kanpur’s Chakeri airport. The incident occurred during a night training flight operated by Garg Aviation. Following the accident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched an investigation and grounded the aircraft. The DGCA is examining whether the trainee pilot exited the aircraft voluntarily or was instructed to do so before the engines were turned off. According to reports, the pilot attempted to exit the aircraft before both engines were shut down, which violates standard operating procedures. The flight instructor reportedly intervened by shouting at the pilot and switching off the engines immediately, but the propeller had already struck her before stopping. The pilot is currently recovering and is expected to continue her aviation career.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of an incident involving a trainee pilot and does not exhibit clear bias toward any political side. It includes information from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the involved aviation company, and quotes from officials, providing a balanced and
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 90): Accurately reports the injury, aircraft type, and DGCA actions. Maintains neutrality and provides clear details without emotional language.
Times of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 808 days ago Female cadet pilot injured by running propeller at Kanpur’s flight training instituteA female cadet pilot from New Delhi sustained lower back injuries after being struck by a running propeller while attempting to deboard a training aircraft at Garg Aviation's Flight Training Organisation in Kanpur. The incident occurred on June 26 during a night instructional sortie on a Tecnam P2006T aircraft. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation, and the involved instructor has been temporarily suspended while the aircraft is grounded. According to Garg Aviation's safety manager, the cadet exited the aircraft before both engines were fully shut down, despite standard procedures requiring pilots to remain seated until engines are stopped. The instructor intervened by shouting at the cadet to stop and switching off the engines, but a propeller struck her before the engines fully halted. Emergency medical care was provided at the scene, followed by treatment at a private hospital in Kanpur. Doctors recommended stitches after parental consent, which were performed under local anesthesia. The cadet is recovering and is expected to return to flying within two to two and a half months, according to the institution.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report of a workplace accident involving a cadet pilot at a flight training institute, focusing on procedural adherence and institutional response. There is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on political agendas. The narrative remains neutral, detailing the mish
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 80): Factual details align with cross-source consensus including the injury, aircraft type, and DGCA investigation. Objectivity is high but ends abruptly mid-sentence.
NDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 60Objective 707 days agoA trainee pilot safely crash-landed a Cessna 152 aircraft owned by Chetak Aviation along a highway near Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh on Monday. The incident has prompted an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). No injuries were reported, and the pilot was unharmed. The crash landing occurred near a public road, raising concerns about aviation safety and procedures. Authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the event.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an aviation incident involving a trainee pilot and an investigation by DGCA. It does not present any overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The focus is on the factual account of the event and the response by regulatory authorities.
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 70): Confuses two separate incidents (propeller injury vs. crash landing) and lacks specific details like the aircraft model or location. Objectivity is somewhat compromised by the misleading headline.
The HinduIndependentCenterFactual 50Objective 658 days agoThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating an incident where a trainee pilot sustained injuries after being struck by a running propeller of a trainer aircraft at Kanpur airport on June 26, 2026. The incident involved a twin-engine Tecnam P2006T aircraft operated by Garg Aviation, a flying training organization conducting night instructional flights at Kanpur (Chakeri) airport. Following the accident, the trainee pilot was hospitalized for injuries to her back, and the instructor involved has been removed from flying duties pending the investigation. DGCA has ordered the aircraft to be grounded until the probe concludes.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an aviation safety incident investigated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a regulatory body. It provides factual details about the event, including the actions taken by DGCA, without apparent ideological framing or biased language. The focus is on the event
Why these scores (Factual 50 · Objective 65): Mixes two separate incidents (propeller injury vs. crash landing) and provides minimal detail. Misleading headline and incomplete information reduce factuality and objectivity.
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter7 days ago Training aircraft crashes near road in UP's Kasganj, trainee pilot injured; DGCA orders probeA training aircraft, a Cessna 152, crash-landed near an under-construction highway in Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh, injuring the sole trainee pilot onboard. The pilot, who was engaged in solo flying, is reported to be safe and has been admitted to a local hospital. The aircraft belongs to Chetak Aviation Academy in Aligarh. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident. Witnesses stated that the plane fell onto overhead wires before landing in a field. The event highlights safety concerns in aviation training and underscores the need for regulatory oversight.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report of a training aircraft accident without overtly emphasizing any political stance. It includes quotes from official sources (DGCA) and provides objective details about the incident, including the involvement of a private aviation academy. There is no evident bias
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