An Indian Air Force pilot showed exemplary presence of mind as he saved lives as well as his Jaguar aircraft after a bird hit in Ambala on June 27.
The bird hit resulted in the failure of one of the engines. Despite a serious emergency, the pilot assessed the situation in a matter of seconds, jettisoned the two additional fuel drop tanks as well as CBLS Pods, and went on to safely land the aircraft.
The quick thinking by the pilot not only saved a war waging asset but also the lives of the many civilians residing in the area adjoining the airfield.
#SavingLives: On the morning of 27 June19, an IAF Jaguar aircraft loaded with two additional fuel drop tanks & Carrier Bomb Light Stores
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 28, 2019
(CBLS) pods took off from AFS Ambala for a training
mission. Immediately after take off, the aircraft encountered a flock of
birds. pic.twitter.com/Mb0otqadVe
The IAF praised the quick decision making of the young pilot. “His actions bear testimony to the highest professional standards of the IAF resulting from extensive operational training. The professionalism & quick thinking by the pilot not only saved a war waging asset but also the lives of many civilians in the area adjoining the airfield,” IAF tweeted.