DGCA Had Flagged Tecnam Aircraft Safety Concerns Weeks Before Kanpur Crash

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had raised safety concerns over Tecnam aircraft more than a month before a Tecnam P2006T training aircraft crashed in Kanpur, killing an instructor and a trainee pilot.

Official communications reviewed by PTI show that the aviation regulator had flagged concerns about Tecnam planes at least twice since 2025 and issued safety recommendations to flying training organisations (FTOs).

In its latest communication dated July 10, 2026, the DGCA circulated recommendations issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) after its investigation into the May 12, 2022 crash of a Tecnam P2006T operated by FSTC Flying School in Bhiwani, Haryana.

The regulator advised FTOs to avoid keeping Tecnam aircraft parked on aprons or tarmacs for prolonged periods during summer before training flights. It also called for greater emphasis on emergency handling training, particularly during critical phases of flight.

The DGCA further directed flying schools to revise checklists to explicitly include all emergency actions recommended by the aircraft manufacturer.

An earlier DGCA communication had sought feedback from FTOs on the operational performance of Tecnam aircraft. A reminder was issued on August 4, 2025, seeking responses through a checklist.

A flying instructor told PTI that some instructors had experienced difficulties operating Tecnam aircraft. The planes have become increasingly popular because of their affordability, but concerns have been raised over their operation and reliability.

The latest crash occurred on August 27, when a Tecnam P2006T operated by Garg Aviation crashed near the Ganga around 20 minutes after taking off from Kanpur Civil Airport. Instructor Sachin Bhatia and trainee pilot Abhishek Pujari were killed.

The AAIB will conduct a detailed investigation, while a three-member DGCA team will provide regulatory oversight. Investigators will examine maintenance and airworthiness records, flying hours, aircraft age and engine limits, besides possible technical or human factors.

Garg Aviation has said the aircraft had no maintenance-related deficiencies.