On 26 Nov 92, Flight Lieutenant Anurana Saluja was authorized to fly in a two aircraft parallel quarter attack sortie. During the sortie, he noticed warning lights for both hydraulic systems coming “ON”. Though the pressures indicated normal, he experienced severe longitudinal oscillations which were violent enough to warrant abandoning of aircraft by resorting to an ejection. Instead, he controlled the aircraft promptly in an exceptionally professional and cool manner. He then experienced temporary radio failures, trim failure, abnormal position of the cone system resulting in loss of engine thrust and tachogenerator malfunction giving inaccurate engine power settings. Soon after, he noticed the main pneumatic failure which meant that maximum rate braking, directional control and tail chute operation, on landing, would not be available.

With all these emergencies, the aircraft could have gone out of control, or exploded and crashed at any moment. The situation warranted an ejection by the pilot. Flight Lieutenant Saluja, however, did not eject and handle all the emergencies in a most competent manner. He very gallantly, recovered the aircraft and landed it safely, at the risk to his own life. Flight Lieutenant Saluja not only saved a valuable aircraft but was able to provide vital evidence during investigations which could go a long way in instituting remedial measures for future.

Flight Lieutenant Anurana Saluja, demonstrated technical skill, professional competence and great valour in dealing with emergencies.