India, Jan. 21 -- An Indian Air Force (IAF) trainer aircraft was forced to land into a pond during a routine training flight in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj on Wednesday, leading emergency teams to reach the site near the airport.

Both the pilots have been rescued safely, officials told HT.

Although it was initially suspected to be a crash, officials later informed that the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing after a technical issue developed mid-flight.

Eyewitnesses said the small propeller plane appeared to lose control before diving into the water. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the area as local residents moved in to assist, before National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) divers and fire tenders arrived and secured...