New Delhi: Squadron Leader Prathamesh D. Dongre was among the eight officers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) who received the Vayu Sena Medal on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day. He was given the honour after safely landing a MiG-21 Bison during a critical emergency last year.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, on 10 May, 2024, Dongre was tasked with flying a MiG-21 Bison aircraft for an operational mission.
Moments after take-off, the aircraft suffered a Main Hydraulic Failure—a critical malfunction of the hydraulic system essential for controlling key flight surfaces, including flaps, ailerons, and landing gear.
The hydraulic failure also caused the intake cone to remain extended at 30 percent, significantly reducing engine thrust and limiting the power available during the flight.
Such a failure poses a severe threat to the aircraft’s control and stability.
Dongre remained calm and aborted the mission, focusing instead on recovering the aircraft safely.
The emergency necessitated a flapless landing—one of the most challenging configurations for a MiG-21 Bison. Without flaps, the aircraft’s lift is reduced, requiring a higher approach speed to maintain stability. This increases the landing distance and speed, making the manoeuvre exceptionally difficult.
In the case of a MiG-21 Bison, it is further complicated by the reduced frontal visibility.
Additionally, since the runway was undergoing repairs, Dongre had only a narrow margin of 4 metres on either side of the centerline for landing.
Dongre brought the aircraft in for a high-speed approach and managed to decelerate using aerodynamic braking and wheel brakes, bringing the aircraft to a stop just 300 metres from the end of the runway.
This not only ensured the safe recovery of the aircraft, but also prevented any significant damage.
“For his exceptional courage, decision-making ability and skillful handling of the vintage MiG-21 Bison aircraft, Sqn Ldr PD Dongre is awarded with ‘Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)’,” the Ministry of Defence said in the statement.
Commissioned as a fighter pilot in the flying branch of the IAF on 16 December, 2017, Dongre has been serving with a MiG-21 Bison Squadron since 4 March last year.
On Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 93 personnel and Central Armed Police forces.
Flight Lieutenant Tarun Nair, Group Captain Ankit Raj Singh, Wing Commander Ankit Sood, Wing Commander Akshay Saxena, Wing Commander Dushyant Singh Rathore, and Wing Commander Jude Joseph Pereira were also awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for their exceptional bravery and professionalism in critical missions, ranging from managing aircraft emergencies to high-risk operations, casualty evacuations, and disaster relief efforts.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
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