vivINDIAN
FULL MEMBER
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2013
- Messages
- 420
- Reaction score
- 0
- Country
- Location
An IAF FIGHTER pilot who brought a stricken Mig-21 Bison back to the base after his aircraft¡¯s systems failed by holding a torch in his mouth was awarded Shaurya Chakra on the eve of Republic Day.
He also managed to avoid another possible crash after his combat jet was hit by a bird in a separate incident.His professional handling of two grave emergency situations within a span of three months was hailed in the IAF circle as an act of gallantry.
Wing Commander Singh was flying a Mig-21 Bison to Halwara for a practice diversion night sortie on April 30 last year when the electric system of the aircraft failed.The cockpit lights faded slowly, making it difficult for him to see the instruments in the dark night.
He removed his mask to hold a torch in his mouth to keep an eye on the instruments.He lowered the undercarriage and flaps to take off position before the electric system failure would have jammed the controls. He flew with the help of only pressure instruments and the global position system and brought the aircraft down safely.
The officer was in the middle of another emergency situation three months later on July 29.This time he was the captain of Mig-21 T-69 trainer flying from the rear seat. The engine of the aircraft failed after a bird hit when he was coming for landing.
Wing Commander Singh managed an engine off glide to land the aircraft safely without any damage.The fighter pilot showed composure in emergency situation and has set an excellent professional example for others to emulate, said his award citation.
The two situations could have turned fatal for the pilot as the emergencies were grave.The pilot used his experience to handle the failures. The ageing Mig-21s have been in the news for years now for high accident rate.
we are playing with our pilots lives
IAF MiG-21 pilot awarded medal for saving aircraft twice last year | idrw.org
He also managed to avoid another possible crash after his combat jet was hit by a bird in a separate incident.His professional handling of two grave emergency situations within a span of three months was hailed in the IAF circle as an act of gallantry.
Wing Commander Singh was flying a Mig-21 Bison to Halwara for a practice diversion night sortie on April 30 last year when the electric system of the aircraft failed.The cockpit lights faded slowly, making it difficult for him to see the instruments in the dark night.
He removed his mask to hold a torch in his mouth to keep an eye on the instruments.He lowered the undercarriage and flaps to take off position before the electric system failure would have jammed the controls. He flew with the help of only pressure instruments and the global position system and brought the aircraft down safely.
The officer was in the middle of another emergency situation three months later on July 29.This time he was the captain of Mig-21 T-69 trainer flying from the rear seat. The engine of the aircraft failed after a bird hit when he was coming for landing.
Wing Commander Singh managed an engine off glide to land the aircraft safely without any damage.The fighter pilot showed composure in emergency situation and has set an excellent professional example for others to emulate, said his award citation.
The two situations could have turned fatal for the pilot as the emergencies were grave.The pilot used his experience to handle the failures. The ageing Mig-21s have been in the news for years now for high accident rate.
we are playing with our pilots lives
IAF MiG-21 pilot awarded medal for saving aircraft twice last year | idrw.org
