On 21st July 99, Squadron Leader Ebenezer was authorized to fly a night flying sortie. The sortie was uneventful till the performance of pre-landing checks on Down Wind, when, on lowering the landing gear, the starboard wheel failed to come down. The wheel remained locked up despite all attempts. The pilot was advised by the Air Traffic control to eject over a safe area. However coolly weighing the options available to him and prudently analysing the inherent risks, the pilot elected to opt for a landing with the main wheels up and only the nose wheel extended even though such an option was fraught with brave risk to his life. Thereafter, Squadron Leader Ebenezer brought the aircraft down safely with the main wheels up, incurring minimal damage. Additionally by this act he facilitated vital evidence for technical investigation to precisely identify the problem and institute remedial measures for the future.

Squadron Leader Santosh Kumar Ebenezer displayed exceptional courage, dogged determination and dedication to duty of a high order in the face of the grave emergency.