In Gujarat’s Amreli district on Tuesday afternoon a trainer aircraft from a private aviation academy crashed in a residential area, claiming the life of a trainee pilot. The incident took place around 12:30 pm in the Giriya Road area of Amreli town.

According to Amreli Superintendent of Police (SP) Sanjay Kharat, the trainer aircraft, which had taken off from Amreli airport, fell on a tree before crash-landing into an open plot near Shastri Nagar. The aircraft, operated by a Delhi-based aviation academy, caught fire soon after impact.

“The trainee pilot, who was flying solo, died on the spot. Fortunately, no one else was injured in the crash,” said Kharat. He confirmed that the aircraft was completely gutted in flames following the crash.

Fire teams rush to the spot

Fire officer SC Gadhvi stated that four teams from the local fire brigade rushed to the site after being alerted about the crash and the ensuing fire. “Though the aircraft crashed in a densely populated area, no civilians were injured as it first hit a tree and then fell into an open plot,” he explained. The fire was successfully brought under control shortly after.

Investigation underway

The police have started the process of lodging a case of accidental death and are investigating the exact cause of the crash. SP Kharat confirmed that inquiries are being conducted to determine what led to the tragic incident.

Authorities said the aviation academy, which operates from Amreli airport, provides pilot training through solo and supervised flights.