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Wing Commander Omar Browne
| Service No & Branch | 29006 F(P) | Stream :Fighters |  | ||||||
| Date of Birth: | Commissioned: 17 Jun 2006 | Course: 177 Course | |||||||
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| Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "O Browne" | |||||||||
| Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) | ||||
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| Sqn Ldr | Omar Browne | 29006 F(P) | Award Date 25 Sep 2012 | Announced 15 Aug 2013 |
| Details : | Squadron Leader Omar Browne (29006) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of Su-30 MKI squadron since 04 Jun 12. On 25 Sep 12. Squadron Leader Omar Browne was authorized to fly a 2 Vs 1 training mission as the Captain on Su-30 MKI aircraft along with a Under Training Operations Weapon System Operator. Flying Officer Shobhit Mishra (31485) Flying (Pilot). Thirty minutes after takeoff, while engaged in the second air combat situation at an altitude of 4.2 km and speed 790 KMPH, the pilot experienced severe restriction in the forward movement of the control stick in his cockpit. This prevented the aircraft from achieving normal rate descent to lower altitudes. Retaining his composure during this unusual emergency, the pilot called off the combat and analysed the situation with remarkable professionalism. He checked all cockpit indications meticulously, cross checked controllability of the aircraft from the rear cockpit and assessed the feasibility of executing a landing with limited Rate of Descend (ROD) using full nose down longitudinal trim and maximum forward pressure on the control column. This was further aggravated when on lowering the undercarriage the aircraft nose started pitching up and control stick jammed in the neutral position with no forward movement at all. As a result the longitudinal control was possible only with limited longitudinal trim available. Demonstrating exceptional skill and composure under high stress. the pilot could achieve a max ROD of 3-5 m's only with trimmers at a speed of 430-410 KMPH in landing configuration. Without any panic the pilot took a calculated risk and decided to attempt a landing after deliberation on the possibility to climb up and abandon the aircraft in case unable to land. Squadron Leader Omar Browne regulated fuel to make the aircraft light and executed a long and shallow approach with 2-3 m, s ROD using only the trimmer till flare out. Even after touchdown the pilot could not lower the aircraft nose wheel with stick force and had to resort to the use of forward trim. Finally the pilot was able to execute a safe landing from this grave situation. Post flight analysis by the court of inquiry revealed that the control stick was not moving ahead of the neutral position due to mechanical blockage of the control run by a loose metallic strip getting stuck at the lower portion of control column. The pilot has demonstrated immense courage, highest level of professionalism, superlative decision making backed by knowledge and exceptional flying skills to recover the aircraft from an otherwise inevitable accident. For his exceptional display of courage and flying skills in the face of a life threatening situation, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Squadron Leader Omar Brown. | |||
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| Reference : Air Force Day Booklet | ||||
The data in the header section of this page comes from the Gazette of India - Click here to see the source
The URL for this page is http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/29006
Note: All the data available here is publicly available in the Gazette of India, published by the Indian Government, or from public domain sources, press releases about Awards and Right-To-Information (RTI) Requests. Additionally data shared by veterans is added to the page with permission. No data with respect to serving officers below the rank of AVM is displayed. Information in Gazette of India and Award citations and photographs as released by the Indian Air Force are the only details displayed.