On 10th October, 1960, Squadron Leader M S Grewal (3481) was detailed as the leader of a formation exercise comprising 5 aircraft. The aircraft was peeling off after completion of the exercise at a height of approximately 1000 feet when the No.2 collided with Sqn Ldr Grewal's aircraft resulting in damage to the elevator of such a nature that the control column could be moved backward with difficulty but not forward at all. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that the port drop tank was full due to failure of the fuel transfer system.

This extreme emergency, caused by no fault of his, called for the highest degree of airmanship, and Sqn Ldr Grewal by his coolness, presence of mind and skill, carried out a successful flapless landing thereby preventing what possibly could have been a fatal accident involving the total loss of the aircraft and a valuable life.