Lt Cdr Satyam Singh, First Pilot of Seaking 42 B aircraft displayed exceptional bravery, courage and presence of mind whilst handling single engine failure post bird hit at night in poor visibility conditions. The pilot displayed unmatched professional competence considering his nascent experience on SK 42B/C. On 20 Oct 23 at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam officer had volunteered to undertake night flying. This aircraft was heavily modified towards the critical NASM-SR project making its handling much more challenging than any other aircraft in fleet. Whilst undertaking high power climbing cross turn an unsettling loud thud noise was heard followed by sharp whining noise and reduction in No.1 engine parameters indicating seizure of gas generator causing No.1 engine failure resulting in rapid height loss. Despite overwhelming and immediate danger to own life, the Officer disregarded personal safety and immediately manoeuvred the aircraft away from economical hub/ industrial area. He bravely continued to take recovery actions his limited experience coupled with severity of the situation and adverse factors of high all up weight, reduced engine performance in hot-humid conditions, unfamiliar airfield, poor visibility and inherent challenges associated with flying vintage aircraft by night at low altitudes, did not prevent the Officer from displaying raw courage. Officer then correctly established that the engine could no longer be restarted. Without any hesitation, Officer bravely positioned the aircraft for a safe single engine approach and landing. Against all odds, in an extraordinary feat, Officer deftly recovered aircraft thereby ensuring safety of his crew and aircraft which had been specially modified for a project of national importance. As the first pilot of aircraft the exceptional courage, bravery and fortitude displayed by Lt Cdr Satyam Singh in the face of extremely dangerous, emergency resulted saving his fellow crew members and countrymen residing directly below him in face of adversities is in keeping with the highest traditions of the service. For utmost exceptional courage skill and display of valour during the single engine failure of SK due to a bird hit by night, Lt Cdr Satyam Singh is very strongly recommended for the award of Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry).
