How did Sanjay Gandhi's plane crash in mid air?

Introduction: The Mysterious Plane Crash of Sanjay Gandhi

On June 23, 1980, Sanjay Gandhi, a prominent Indian politician and the son of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, died in a tragic plane crash. The incident has remained a mystery and a topic of speculation for decades. In this article, I will delve into the different aspects of the plane crash, exploring various theories and perspectives that surround Sanjay Gandhi's untimely death.

The Events Leading Up to the Crash

On that fateful day, Sanjay Gandhi decided to take his newly acquired Pitts S-2A biplane for a spin. He was an experienced pilot and had logged over 1,500 hours of flying time. Accompanying him was Captain Subhash Saxena, an instructor from the Delhi Flying Club. The duo took off from Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi and flew over various parts of the city. The flight was uneventful until the aircraft suddenly nosedived and crashed into a field, killing both occupants instantly.

Witness Accounts and Initial Reports

According to eyewitnesses, the plane was performing aerobatics and suddenly lost control, plunging into the ground. Initial reports suggested that the aircraft may have experienced a structural failure, causing the crash. However, the subsequent investigation revealed that the aircraft was in perfect condition and there were no signs of any mechanical failure or malfunction.

Investigation and Official Findings

The government launched an extensive investigation into the crash, led by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The investigation team examined the wreckage, interviewed witnesses, and analyzed the flight data to determine the cause of the crash. After a thorough investigation, the DGCA concluded that the crash was a result of pilot error. The official report stated that Sanjay Gandhi had attempted an aerobatic maneuver called a "snap roll" at a low altitude, which led to the aircraft's uncontrollable descent.

Controversy Surrounding the Official Findings

Many people, including some aviation experts, have questioned the official findings of the investigation. They argue that Sanjay Gandhi was an experienced pilot and it is unlikely that he would have attempted such a risky maneuver at a low altitude. Furthermore, some witnesses claimed that they saw the aircraft in distress before it crashed, indicating that there may have been a mechanical issue that caused the accident.

Alternative Theories and Speculations

Over the years, various alternative theories and speculations have emerged surrounding Sanjay Gandhi's plane crash. Some of these theories suggest that the crash was not an accident, but rather a result of foul play.

Assassination Theory

One popular theory is that Sanjay Gandhi was assassinated by his political opponents, who saw him as a threat to their power. According to this theory, the plane was sabotaged, causing it to crash. However, there has never been any concrete evidence to support this claim, and the official investigation did not find any signs of sabotage.

Foreign Conspiracy Theory

Another theory suggests that foreign agencies were involved in the crash, as they were concerned about Sanjay Gandhi's growing influence in Indian politics. Again, there is no evidence to support this claim, and the official investigation did not uncover any foreign involvement in the crash.

The Impact of Sanjay Gandhi's Death on Indian Politics

Sanjay Gandhi's death had a significant impact on Indian politics. At the time of his death, he was being groomed to succeed his mother as the Prime Minister of India. His sudden demise left a void in the Indian National Congress, the ruling political party, and resulted in a power struggle among its members.

Indira Gandhi's Grief and Subsequent Assassination

Indira Gandhi was devastated by the loss of her younger son. Many believe that her grief made her more vulnerable and contributed to her assassination by her bodyguards in 1984. After her death, her elder son, Rajiv Gandhi, was sworn in as the Prime Minister, continuing the Gandhi family's political legacy.

Conclusion: The Unsolved Mystery of Sanjay Gandhi's Plane Crash

Despite the official investigation and various alternative theories, the mystery surrounding Sanjay Gandhi's plane crash remains unsolved. While the official findings point towards pilot error, many still believe that there is more to the story than meets the eye. As the years pass, the truth about what really happened on that fateful day may never be fully uncovered. Nevertheless, Sanjay Gandhi's death continues to be a significant event in Indian political history, and a reminder of the tragic loss of a promising young leader.