EMBARGO : NOT TO BE USED / RELEASED / PUBLISHED UNTIL 0001 HRS ON 26 JAN 2015
Wing Commander Maneesh Kumar Roy, Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of an AN 32 Squadron and has a total of more than 6000 hrs of accident free flying to his credit.
On 29 May 2013, he was detailed for an Aircraft and Engine check sortie at Jorhat. During rejoin, he noticed that the main indicating compass was stuck on a westerly heading while the other heading indicators were functioning normally. Thereafter the co-pilot side Altimeter Failure warning came on. Subsequently the right side alternator and the feathering system of the right side engine propeller warning indications came on, signaling a problem with the electrical system. One attempt to connect the failed alternator was made, however it did not connect. After some time the right side engine oil temperature indicator also failed. On selection of flaps, the flap position indicator remained stuck at zero. The crew anticipated and prepared for multiple electrical failures. On downwind the nose wheel steering warning came on at a speed of 280 kph and bank 15 degree. The crew requested activation of crash services for a possible asymmetric withdrawal of propellers on landing which could lead to the aircraft going off the runway
As an added precaution, he then selected the batteries to Main Power Line for landing. He carried out a precise landing but the propellers failed to unlatch on withdrawal. Acting instinctively, he immediately closed both the fuel supply valves, however only the left propeller feathered causing the aircraft to veer viciously to one side. Without losing his composure and remaining calm in a difficult situation, he made a valiant attempt to maintain control of the aircraft and simultaneously tried to feather the right propeller manually but the engine did not feather. Without giving up under the demanding circumstances, he shut down the engine with the hydraulic system and ordered the crew for a quick exit.
A multiple failure of this nature is considered extremely rare and does not find mention in any flight manual. Considering the fact that the emergency occurred during the critical stage of landing, it called for courage of a high order under imminent danger so as to act in the best possible manner. Wg Cdr Roy, as the captain of the aircraft, lived up the demands of the situation and remained un-flinched in spite of an imminent danger to the lives of all the crew.
For his acts of exemplary courage and professional acumen in handling an unprecedented emergency Wing Commander Maneesh Kumar Roy has been awarded with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
SSB/RCD/CMG
Wing Commander Maneesh Kumar Roy, Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of an AN 32 Squadron and has a total of more than 6000 hrs of accident free flying to his credit.
On 29 May 2013, he was detailed for an Aircraft and Engine check sortie at Jorhat. During rejoin, he noticed that the main indicating compass was stuck on a westerly heading while the other heading indicators were functioning normally. Thereafter the co-pilot side Altimeter Failure warning came on. Subsequently the right side alternator and the feathering system of the right side engine propeller warning indications came on, signaling a problem with the electrical system. One attempt to connect the failed alternator was made, however it did not connect. After some time the right side engine oil temperature indicator also failed. On selection of flaps, the flap position indicator remained stuck at zero. The crew anticipated and prepared for multiple electrical failures. On downwind the nose wheel steering warning came on at a speed of 280 kph and bank 15 degree. The crew requested activation of crash services for a possible asymmetric withdrawal of propellers on landing which could lead to the aircraft going off the runway
As an added precaution, he then selected the batteries to Main Power Line for landing. He carried out a precise landing but the propellers failed to unlatch on withdrawal. Acting instinctively, he immediately closed both the fuel supply valves, however only the left propeller feathered causing the aircraft to veer viciously to one side. Without losing his composure and remaining calm in a difficult situation, he made a valiant attempt to maintain control of the aircraft and simultaneously tried to feather the right propeller manually but the engine did not feather. Without giving up under the demanding circumstances, he shut down the engine with the hydraulic system and ordered the crew for a quick exit.
A multiple failure of this nature is considered extremely rare and does not find mention in any flight manual. Considering the fact that the emergency occurred during the critical stage of landing, it called for courage of a high order under imminent danger so as to act in the best possible manner. Wg Cdr Roy, as the captain of the aircraft, lived up the demands of the situation and remained un-flinched in spite of an imminent danger to the lives of all the crew.
For his acts of exemplary courage and professional acumen in handling an unprecedented emergency Wing Commander Maneesh Kumar Roy has been awarded with Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
SSB/RCD/CMG
