Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny as Baramati Airfield Incident Raises Concerns

Runway Excursion Incident at Baramati Airfield: A Wake-Up Call for Safety Protocols

In a disturbing incident that highlights the importance of thorough training and adherence to safety protocols, a Cessna C172 trainer aircraft operated by Academy of Carver Aviation experienced a runway excursion at Baramati Airfield, Maharashtra, on August 9th, 2026.

The aircraft, registration VT-SEX, was being operated for a Circuit and Landing Emergencies (CL Emergencies) training exercise under the command of Capt. Chirag Shashikant Doifode, a Flight Instructor with trainee Abhijeet Jundre on board. The aircraft taxied out at approximately 0639 UTC (1209 IST) for the scheduled training exercise, which involved a series of rejected take-off exercises.

During the exercise, the aircraft entered the runway through Link Bravo and lined up at the threshold of Runway 29, where a rejected take-off exercise practice was carried out. The aircraft then lined up at the threshold of Runway 11 and another rejected take-off exercise was carried out. However, in a critical moment, the aircraft was unable to stop within the paved runway surface and veered off the extended paved surface beyond the threshold of Runway 29 towards the right side.

The consequences of this incident were severe, with the aircraft sustaining prima facie damage to the propeller, engine cowling, and nose landing gear. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols.

The DGCA Air Safety team is currently conducting a preliminary investigation to determine the circumstances and contributing factors leading to the incident. The investigation will undoubtedly shed light on the events that led to this critical moment and provide valuable insights into the importance of thorough training and safety protocols.

A Wake-Up Call for Safety Protocols

The runway excursion incident at Baramati Airfield is a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved in aviation safety. It highlights the critical importance of thorough training and adherence to safety protocols, particularly in high-risk situations such as rejected take-off exercises.

The incident also underscores the need for regular maintenance and inspection of aircraft to ensure that they are airworthy and capable of withstanding the rigors of flight. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of effective communication and coordination between pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground personnel to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.

Key Takeaways

• The incident highlights the importance of thorough training and adherence to safety protocols in high-risk situations.
• The DGCA Air Safety team is conducting a preliminary investigation to determine the circumstances and contributing factors leading to the incident.
• The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and regular maintenance and inspection of aircraft.
• The investigation will provide valuable insights into the importance of effective communication and coordination between pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground personnel.