New Delhi:(Page3 News Network)-Wing Commander Gurkirat Singh Sohal Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Su-30 MKI squadron. On 13 Dec 11, Wing Commander Sohal was detailed to fly an Airframe and Engine Check sortie in Su-30 MKI aircraft. Just after getting airborne, the aircraft yawed and rolled viciously to the right and this was noticed by the Air Traffic Controller as well. Wing Commander Sohal immediately initiated the recovery action and continued to climb to safer heights. Though the oscillations continued to be violent and dangerous Wing Commander Sohal overlooked his personal safety in a desperate attempt to try and get the aircraft under control to effect a safe recovery. During the whole process, Wing Commander Sohal managed to somehow keep the aircraft pointing away from a populated village, so as to reduce the risk of damage to life and property on ground in case of an ejection. As the aircraft seemed no longer controllable, ejection was the only option available after a 22 minutes long ordeal. Thus Wing Commander Sohal initiated ejection, but not before he had ensured that the aircraft was directed away from the populated village. His presence of mind, when faced with a life threatening situation, helped in preventing loss of many innocent lives on ground.
The sheer courage displayed by Wing Commander Sohal for the attempted recovery from such an unprecedented emergency was unparalleled. The courageous actions of Wing Commander Sohal to explore all possibilities of recovering the aircraft and to prevent any loss of lives on the ground in spite of an imminent threat to his life were most commendable and exemplary.
For his exceptional courage and flying skills in the face of a life threatening situation, Wing Commander Gurkirat Singh Sohal is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
