Pilot and Trainee Injured in Aircraft Crash in Karnataka's Vijayapura

A pilot and a trainee were injured after their two-seater training aircraft crashed in a field located near Mangalooru village, close to Babaleshwar, in Vijayapura district, Karnataka, on February 8, 2026. The aircraft, owned by Red Bird Aviation, was reportedly en route from Kalaburagi to Belagavi at the time of the incident. The police confirmed that both individuals have been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The pilot, Captain Kunal Malhotra, and trainee Goutham Shankar suffered injuries during the crash. According to local reports, the aircraft crashed while attempting to navigate an engine issue, resulting in its nose diving into the field before flipping over.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that both the captain and the trainee managed to eject from the aircraft prior to the crash landing. Initial police responses were swift, as a nearby young man alerted the Babaleshwar police station immediately after the crash.

Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi provided an update on the situation, stating that both individuals are currently in stable condition. "We are ensuring that they receive the necessary medical care. Their injuries are not life-threatening," he said.

As the investigation continues, police are recording statements from local farmers who witnessed the incident, and a formal case is being filed. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with officials working to gather more detailed information regarding the mechanical failure reported before the aircraft fell.

The aircraft crash has prompted discussions about aviation safety and training protocols, particularly concerning smaller private aviation firms. Incidents such as this have raised concerns over adherence to safety regulations within the industry.