On Saturday morning, a training aircraft experienced a hard landing at Baramati Airport in Pune, Maharashtra, veering off the runway. The trainee pilot operating the aircraft is reported safe, with no injuries sustained during the incident.

The aircraft, belonging to the Redbird Flight Training Centre, was conducting a training sortie when the incident occurred at approximately 8:00 AM. According to a senior police officer, the pilot noticed a damaged tire while flying. The pilot then attempted an emergency landing. However, upon touchdown, the front wheel of the aircraft came off, causing the aircraft to stray from the taxiway and veer onto the other side of the airport.

Another account indicates that the trainee pilot sighted a flock of birds just before touchdown, which caused a distraction. This led to a hard landing, resulting in damage to the nose wheel. The pilot was then instructed to perform a go-around, but the damaged nose wheel further depressed, leading to a rough landing. The trainee pilot has been identified as Vivek Yadav.

Despite the compromised landing, the pilot managed to bring the aircraft to a halt, avoiding any injuries. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the tire damage and subsequent wheel separation. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will also be involved in the investigation, recording a detailed statement from the pilot.

Sudarshan Rathod, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Baramati, stated that no criminal offense has been registered in connection with the incident. The airstrip, where the incident occurred, is managed and maintained by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).

This is not the first time Redbird Flight Training Centre has been involved in similar incidents. In May 2025, another trainee pilot had a close call when an aircraft overturned during landing at Suktara airstrip in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. A complaint had also been filed with the Chief Minister's Office, prior to this incident, regarding previous accidents involving Redbird Flight Training Academy aircraft. These incidents have raised concerns and put increasing pressure on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure stricter compliance and oversight of flying schools.