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The Daring Flight: The Astonishing Tale of AS Gill and the Stolen Navy Fighter Jet
On August 12, 1963, a remarkable incident unfolded at the Meenambakkam civil airport in Chennai, India. A British-made Hawker Sea Hawk aircraft, belonging to the Indian Navy, taxied out and took off, catching the attention of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower.
June 18, 2023: It soon became clear that an Indian Navy sailor, Leading Aircraft Ordnance Mechanic AS Gill, had stolen the fighter jet, embarking on a daring escapade that would leave an indelible mark in aviation history.
The Flight of AS Gill: AS Gill, driven by his passion for flying, managed to fly away with the Sea Hawk, bearing the tail number IN 163. Gill, posted with the Indian Navy’s 300 ‘White Tiger’ squadron, had acquired knowledge about cockpit switches and piloting from his role as a technician. His familiarity with the Sea Hawk’s cartridge-fired start system enabled him to start the engine and take off without much difficulty.
The Audacious Journey: Gill, lacking the necessary equipment such as a crash helmet and a radio set, embarked on an adrenaline-filled flight. Over the INS Vikrant in the harbour, he performed daring manoeuvres, buzzing the flummoxed ATC tower in a fashion reminiscent of Maverick from Top Gun. Despite the ATC’s attempts to dissuade him, Gill continued his high-speed passes near the aircraft carrier, showcasing his limited knowledge of flying controls.
The Perfect Ditching: As the authorities tried to prevent his landing, Gill realised his limitations in handling the aircraft. Unable to reduce its speed or execute a safe landing, he made the decision to ditch the Sea Hawk in the Bay of Bengal. With incredible precision and following proper procedures, Gill successfully landed the aircraft in the water. His ditching was so exemplary that it became a part of briefing sessions for pilots, highlighting the proper way to ditch a Sea Hawk.
The Aftermath: Gill’s unauthorised flight and subsequent ditching resulted in his trial by Court Martial. He was sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment, leading to his discharge from the Indian Navy. While Gill never spoke about the incident, his father defended him during the trial, highlighting his love for flying and frustration at being unable to pursue it as a career.
A Tale of Redemption: In 2019, the wreckage of the Sea Hawk was discovered by divers from Temple Adventures. Interestingly, the grandfather of one of the divers was the same person who had rescued Gill from the sea after his daring ditching four decades earlier. This serendipitous connection brought closure to the extraordinary story.
AS Gill’s audacious act of stealing and flying a Navy fighter jet remains an unforgettable chapter in aviation history. While his actions were undoubtedly wrong, they showcased the spirit of adventure and a longing for the skies. Gill’s tale, filled with courage, determination, and a touch of madness, is a testament to the allure and fascination of flight.
