Details : | Flight Lieutenant Anindo Sur (23208) F (P) has been on the posted strength of a Jaguar Squadron since 03 May 99. On 08 Oct 2001, during a practice sortie by night, the undercarriage lowering system of his aircraft malfunctioned. On selecting the undercarriage down, none of the three wheels came down. Repeated attempts as per the stipulated emergency drill proved futile. Subsequently, on emergency selection, the nose and port wheels lowered, but the starboard wheel continued to remain up. At .this stage, the Navigation Attack System of the aircraft failed, resulting in loss of head up display attitude indication, followed by cockpit misting. The undercarriage emergency warranted an ejection by the pilot. Fit Lt Sur, however, chose to attempt alternate methods to save a valuable aircraft. He increased speed and subjected the aircraft to high 'g' forces. Initial attempts proved unsuccessful. However he persisted with his efforts and finally his perseverance paid off. The undercarriage *D' door that had jammed was prised open due to sustained 'g' forces, and the starboard undercarriage also came down. The aircraft was recovered uneventfully thereafter. Faced with multiple critical emergencies by night, in a single pilot aircraft, this young officer with limited experience displayed extraordinary courage and presence of mind to recover his aircraft from a grave situation, when ejection seemed inevitable. Subjecting the aircraft to high 'g' forces at night could have led to disorientation and loss of control. For this act of exceptional courage, presence of mind in handling critical multiple emergencies, and recovering a valuable aircraft under extremely difficult conditions, the Hon'ble President is please to award Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Flight Lieutenant Anindo Sur. |