Tamil Nadu, India: A small trainer aircraft from the Salem-based Ekvi Air Training made an emergency landing on the Tiruchi–Pudukkottai National Highway near Narthamalai on Thursday afternoon following a technical fault, officials confirmed.
The aircraft, identified as a Cessna 172, was on a routine training flight from Salem when the pilot noticed a technical issue mid-air. The pilot and a trainee safely executed the emergency landing on the highway, and both escaped without injury.
Local police from the Keeranur sub-division were deployed immediately to manage traffic and secure the area. Eyewitnesses reported that highway traffic was briefly affected as the aircraft descended, but there were no accidents or injuries involving other vehicles. Residents and commuters gathered at the scene to observe the aircraft, which sustained minor damage to its front section during the landing.
Airport authorities confirmed that standard emergency procedures were followed during the landing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the technical fault. Officials stated that preliminary inspections indicate the issue may have originated in the aircraft’s engine or mechanical systems, but the final report will provide a detailed assessment.
Ekvi Air Training officials confirmed that the aircraft had undergone all required maintenance checks before the flight, and the pilot’s quick response helped prevent potential injury or damage.
The DGCA investigation will review flight data, maintenance records, and pilot actions to assess the circumstances leading to the emergency landing. Authorities also noted that traffic management and coordination with local police ensured minimal disruption to commuters on the highway.
Previous DGCA Ranking of Ekvir Flying Club
In a related development, the DGCA’s first-ever Flying Training Organisation (FTO) ranking, released on 1 October 2025, placed Ekvi Air Training in Category C, indicating below-average performance across key parameters including operational efficiency, safety, regulatory compliance, and student support.
The inaugural ranking evaluated 35 FTOs in India between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025; none achieved the top-tier A+ or A grades. Category C institutions like Ekvi Air Training have been directed to submit improvement plans and undertake self-assessment exercises to enhance training standards ahead of the next ranking cycle scheduled for April 2026.
The DGCA’s ranking initiative aims to strengthen accountability and transparency across India’s flight training ecosystem, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, operational standards, and student welfare practices.
