Details : | Squadron Leader Samrath Dhankhar (26513) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a MiG 21 Bis Squadron (Sqn) since 01 Jan 2007 and has been performing the primary duties of a Sqn Pilot. A smart officer with an impressive military demeanor, he possesses excellent professional knowledge and a contagious 'can do' attitude. On 24 Mar 2008, Sqn Ldr Dhankhar, was authorised for a bomb dummy sortie. After an uneventful sortie while coming for landing he experienced a bird hit followed by engine flame out at short finals and the hitherto routine sortie converted to a very critical phase of flight. The pilot exhibited extraordinary presence of mind and exemplary situational awareness in analyzing this critical emergency and co-relating it with the current phase of flight and the aircraft energy state. He showed tremendous decision-making ability by taking timely and correct actions against all odds to execute a dead stick landing. He handled the aircraft with a dead engine with a high degree of competence and successfully force landed the aircraft just short of the runway. Needless to mention that an incorrect and incompetent aircraft handling at this stage could have resulted in fatal injuries to the pilot and also loss of the aircraft. Sqn Ldr Dhankhar displayed exemplary courage and a high degree of professionalism in successfully handling the grave emergency thereby recovering the aircraft which otherwise could have resulted in immense monetary loss to the state. His timely response and corrective action have been recorded and verified from Radio transcription recorded by aircraft Video Recording System. The officer exhibited tremendous professional acumen coupled with distinctive decision-making ability and commendable situational awareness, a hallmark of a pilot. He not only endeavored to save the aircraft but also ensured that the civilian population is saved from a potential fatality. For exceptional devotion to duty and displaying professionalism in handling an aircraft emergency, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Squadron Leader Samrath Dhankhar. |