Flight Lieutenant Abhijeet Anil Gadgil

Flight Lieutenant Abhijeet Anil Gadgil hailed from Maharashtra and was born on 26 April 1974 into a family that embodied a strong tradition of patriotism and service to the nation. His father, Wg Cdr Anil Gadgil, had served in the Indian Air Force, instilling in the family a deep sense of discipline and national pride. His mother, Smt Kavita Gadgil, supported and nurtured the values of dedication and courage within the household. He grew up alongside his younger brother, Kedar Gadgil, in an environment that emphasized integrity, responsibility, and service. From an early age, Flt Lt  Abhijeet displayed a keen interest in aviation and a strong desire to serve the country. After completing his initial schooling, his aspiration to join the armed forces led him to qualify for the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), located in Khadakwasla, Pune. At NDA, he underwent three years of intensive military training and academic education, which laid a solid foundation for his career in the armed forces. His performance at the Academy was marked by a strong work ethic, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

Upon successful completion of his training at NDA, he went to the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, near Hyderabad for further training. He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 21 December 1996 as a Flying Officer, specializing as a Fighter Pilot. He was part of the 158th Pilots’ Course, where he received advanced flight training that included handling high-performance fighter aircraft used in strategic, defensive, and humanitarian operations. Flight Lieutenant Abhijeet Gadgil soon proved to be a skilled and capable aviator. His ability to remain calm under pressure, combined with his precise flying techniques and deep understanding of aerial combat operations, earned him the respect of his instructors, colleagues, and senior officers alike. Throughout his initial years of service, he undertook a variety of missions, ranging from complex training sorties to operational tasks that tested his mettle as a combat-ready pilot. By 2001, with nearly five years of active service in the Indian Air Force, Flt Lt Abhijeet Gadgil had developed into a proficient and reliable fighter pilot. 

MiG-21  Aircraft Crash: 17 Sep 2001

In September 2001, Flight Lieutenant Abhijeet Anil Gadgil was serving with the prestigious No. 23 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, famously known as the "Panthers", based at Air Force Station Suratgarh in Rajasthan. The squadron, with Squadron Leader Kanwar Singh as its first 'Commanding Officer' and having the mottto of 'Amritham Abhayam' meaning 'Immortal and Fearless', was originally formed in 1956 at Pune and began its operational journey with de Havilland Vampire aircraft. Over the decades, it transitioned through various advanced aircraft, including the formidable Folland Gnat during the 1960s, and was eventually equipped with the MiG-21 Bison, one of the IAF's frontline supersonic fighter jets known for its speed and agility. As with all combat squadrons during peacetime, training remained a critical aspect of the squadron’s operational preparedness. The Indian Air Force regularly conducts intense and realistic combat training exercises to simulate war-like scenarios in the air. These exercises are designed to ensure that pilots remain combat-ready and well-versed in executing complex air operations under high-pressure conditions. Flt Lt Abhijeet, being a dedicated and professionally competent fighter pilot, actively participated in these training sorties, constantly honing his flying skills.

On the night of 17 September 2001, Flt Lt Abhijeet Anil Gadgil was assigned a routine training mission—yet another opportunity to practice tactical maneuvers in challenging night-flying conditions. He took off from AF Station Suratgarh as planned, piloting his MiG-21 Bison. However, during the flight, the aircraft developed a serious technical snag shortly after take-off. Faced with a critical in-flight emergency, Flt Lt Abhijeet demonstrated remarkable presence of mind and presence of heart. Though he had the option to eject immediately, it is believed that he made every effort to steer the aircraft away from a nearby residential village area, potentially saving civilian lives and property. His focus was not just on his own safety but on minimizing collateral damage on the ground. Ultimately, despite his best efforts, the aircraft nose-dived into the desert sands in a sparsely populated area. The entire episode lasted a mere 33 seconds—a testament to the split-second decisions pilots are often required to make. Tragically, Flt Lt Abhijeet Anil Gadgil was unable to survive the crash. He succumbed to his injuries, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Later it was established that the crash was due to multiple-instrument failure and a trim runaway at take off on a moonless night over a horizonless landscape. At just 27 years of age, he laid down his life upholding the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force. His loss was a profound blow to the IAF and his family, but his courage and selflessness continue to inspire generations of air warriors. Flt Lt Abhijeet was not just a skilled pilot; he was a committed soldier, a gallant officer, and a true air warrior who upheld the ideals of service before self till his last breath.

Flt Lt Abhijeet Anil Gadgil is survived by his by his mother Smt Kavita Gadgil and brother Shri Kedar Gadgil.

In honour of Flight Lieutenant Abhijeet Anil Gadgil, his family established the "Abhijit Air Safety Foundation," under whose aegis they run the "Jeet Aerospace Institute." The institute has trained over 650 pilots to date.