The DGCA had repeatedly raised safety alarms regarding Tecnam aircraft used for flight training before the fatal crash in Kanpur. New details reveal specific warnings issued to flying schools regarding operational risks.

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  • DGCA flagged safety concerns regarding Tecnam aircraft at least twice since 2025.
  • Warnings included instructions to avoid prolonged summer parking on tarmacs.
  • The regulator cited a 2022 Bhiwani crash as a basis for safety recommendations.
  • The Kanpur accident resulted in the deaths of an instructor and a trainee pilot.

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh: A devastating aircraft crash near the Ganga Barrage has brought intense scrutiny to the safety protocols of training aircraft in India. Investigations reveal that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued multiple safety warnings regarding Tecnam aircraft well before the fatal incident on August 27.

Official communications accessed by investigators show that the DGCA had, at least twice since 2025, alerted Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) about potential issues with Tecnam planes. These aircraft, while becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability, have been the subject of repeated regulatory caution.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the recurring nature of these warnings suggests a potential disconnect between regulatory oversight and the operational practices of flight schools. As training organizations pivot toward more cost-effective fleets, the margin for error in maintenance and emergency handling appears to be narrowing.

"Diamond and Cessna aircraft offer proven reliability, but the rising popularity of Tecnam due to affordability comes with inherent flying risks that must be addressed." — An anonymous senior flight instructor.

A specific communication dated July 10, 2026, highlighted recommendations from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) following a similar crash in Bhiwani, Haryana, in 2022. The DGCA advised FTOs to avoid parking Tecnam aircraft on the apron for extended periods during summer and mandated revised checklists to include all Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) emergency protocols.

The recent crash involved a Tecnam P2006T operated by Garg Aviation. The aircraft, registration VT-NBV, went down near Nathapurwa village, claiming the lives of instructor Sachin Bhatia and trainee pilot Abhishek Pujari. Experts noted that the wreckage in Kanpur was significantly more severe than the 2022 Bhiwani accident, raising questions about structural integrity.

Did You Know?: While Tecnam aircraft are favored for their low operating costs, many veteran instructors still prefer the long-standing airworthiness records of Cessna and Diamond aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific safety advice did the DGCA provide to flight schools?
The DGCA advised against long-term tarmac parking in summer and emphasized rigorous emergency handling training and updated checklists.

2. Who is investigating the Kanpur crash?
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a detailed probe into the technical and human factors of the accident.