Trainee pilot critically hurt in Kanpur flying school propeller strike

A trainee pilot was critically injured late Friday when a propeller struck them during a night flight at a flying school in Kanpur. The incident occurred at Chakeri Airport and involved a twin-engine training aircraft, according to aviation officials. Authorities grounded the plane immediately and opened an investigation into the accident.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a probe, officials said. The injured pilot was rushed to a local hospital and remains in critical condition. The flying school has not released the pilot's name or details about the aircraft's registration.

Night flying operations at the school have been suspended pending the investigation's findings. The DGCA typically reviews maintenance records, pilot training logs, and cockpit voice or flight data recorders when available. Investigators will also interview instructors and ground crew who were present at the time of the accident.

Propeller strikes during ground operations or low-speed taxi are rare but carry severe injury risk. The twin-engine aircraft involved is a common trainer model used at multiple Indian flying schools. The DGCA has not indicated whether broader inspections of similar aircraft at other schools will follow.

The accident adds to scrutiny of safety protocols at India's flying training organizations, which have faced regulatory pressure in recent years after a string of incidents involving trainer aircraft. The DGCA has not set a timeline for completing its investigation.