| Details : | Squadron Leader Rohit Rai (27992) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Jaguar Squadron since 22 Dec 08. Sqn Ldr Rai was part of Exercise Eastern Bridge with Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at Oman. On 28 Oct 09, he was authorised to fly as No.2 in a low level Strike versus Intercept integrated mission involving RAFO Jaguars and F-16's. While rejoining, on easing up from low levels to join up with his leader, he experienced a control malfunction. His control stick got stuck to the right with a progressive increase in the bank angle to almost 80° within three seconds, at a height of less than three thousand feet with nose pitching down. The stick continued to be stuck to the right inspite of all efforts by the pilot. A situation like this is a rare phenomenon and cannot be simulated during training missions. Sqn Ldr Rai reacted very promptly to the situation and averted any further roll of the aircraft by application of full opposite rudder control inputs. Any further delay in this quick response, would have taken the aircraft in the regime of uncontrollability and owing to the proximity of aircraft to the ground, could have resulted in a serious accident. With his continuous control inputs, he was able to bring the aircraft to a manageable flying state as the continuous oscillations on all the three axes subsided. On recovery of the aircraft, Sqn Ldr Rai with his keen sense of situational awareness appraised the formation leader of the situation and helped him in establishing a visual contact with his aircraft. He later carried out a slow speed check to ascertain airworthiness of the aircraft for safe landing. Keeping a sharp eye on the aircraft handling characteristics, Sqn Ldr Rai executed a safe landing. With this gallant act, he not only saved a valuable aircraft but this act also helped in post flight analysis of the failure. The analysis would be of tremendous advantage to avoid reoccurrence of such a failure again. Throughout the incident, Sqn Ldr Rai displayed exceptional courage, sharp reflexes and presence of mind in dealing with an unprecedented situation, which if not handled courageously could have spun out of control and resulted in loss of an aircraft for IAF during an International Exercise. For his act of exceptional courage and high degree of professionalism, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Squadron Leader Rohit Rai. |
