Belgavi, 9th February 2026:

In an incident, Redbird Flight Training Academy having Cessna 172 aircraft, VT-EUC while operating a cross country flight on sector “Kalaburagi to Belagavi” was involved in forced landing in an open field near Vijayapura today due to suspected fuel starvation experienced by the aircraft. The site of forced landing is 50 to 70 km. from Belagavi Airport. There were 02 persons on board i.e., a Flight Instructor and a trainee pilot. Both the occupants of the aircraft are safe. Due to impact aircraft is damaged.

1. Organisation Information:

M/s Redbird Flight Training Academy is a DGCA approved Flying Training Organization (FTO), Approval No.01/2020,
Initial FTO approval was issued on 23/07/2020
The FTO was last renewed on 23/07/2025 and is valid till 22/07/2030
No of aircraft in the fleet: 48 aircraft.

2. Aircraft detail as on 08/02/2026:

Year of manufacture: 1975
C of R issued on : 23/05/2023 (With Red Bird FTO).
C of A- issued on : 20/09/2023
ARC issued on : 01/08/2025 valid up to 03/08/2026
Time Since New (TSN) : 17512:40

3. Engine Details

Engine Type: LYCOMING O320-E2D
Engine hrs: 802:10 HRS

4. Crew Information

PIC (Flight Instructor) : CPL holder
Last Medical done on : 18.03.2025 (Valid till 19.03.2026)
Hours Flown : 734 hours
Last IR/Proficiency check : 25.07.2025

DGCA/AAIB will further investigate the incident.