Sep 11 - Indian Airforce

and instrument indications at regular intervals.At the mid way, all of a sudden the entire situationchanged. The Backing Pump - 1 caption lighton the centralized warning panel of my aircraftlit. This indicated a serious problem in the fuelsupply to one of the two engines. I immediatelyreacted to the situation, making sure that myengine did not flame out. However, I was scaredto declare the emergency on R/T, fearing thatthings could relate to smoke that had emergedin the cockpit prior to the take-off. I continuedthe ferry with minimum throttle movement,keeping a sharp check on all my aircraft andengine parameters, and praying to God to helpme out in dealing with that emergency.As I moved closer to the destination theclouding increased and the weather appearedmarginal. There were a few CB cells along theroute. However, it did not hamper the flight. Imade R/T contact with the destination. To myrelief, the PAR was on air and I landed safelywithout any further hiccups.Ever since that incident, I have always feltthat the decision that I took on that day to takeoffinspite of noticing momentarily smoke andburning smell, was an incorrect one. We do notknow when a symptom could manifest into amajor emergency. All symptoms should betreated as indicators of a major problem.I overlooked a lot of things because of mymind set to return home at any cost. This urge ofhome itis has led to many accidents in the past.As aircrew, I sincerely appeal to all my brethrensto avoid getting into the trap of ‘home-itis’ lest ittakes you into the annals of statistics.- Wg Cdr SK SinghINDIAN AIR FORCE 2 0 1 1 S e p t e m b e r Aerospace Safety 21