SOURCE: AFI
A Sukhoi fighter jet experienced a hard landing at Pune Airport on Wednesday, causing significant disruptions to flight schedules. The incident occurred during a routine training exercise when the aircraft abruptly descended from a height of eight to ten feet while attempting to land.
The unexpected impact caused the airport authorities to temporarily close the runway for inspection. As a result, several passenger flights were delayed, and some were diverted to alternative airports. The runway was reopened approximately an hour later after Air Force officials confirmed its safety.
Air Marshal (Retd.) Bhushan Gokhale explained that the Sukhoi, weighing around 18,400 kg and landing at a speed of 230 km/h, can cause substantial damage to the runway in case of a hard landing. While the exact cause of the incident is under investigation, pilot error and wind conditions are being considered as potential factors.
The incident highlights the critical importance of runway safety and the need for efficient response mechanisms to minimize disruptions in air travel.