Chapter 1: A Fateful Day

Have you ever found yourself as a bystander during a disastrous event? Back in 1988, while serving as a Duty Crew member at an Airforce Station in Northern India, I faced such a moment.

That sunny morning unexpectedly transformed into a day of sorrow.

I received a call from the Air Traffic Controller (ATC), notifying me that a Dornier aircraft was due to arrive from Srinagar at 7:45 AM. Following the standard operating procedures (SOP), I promptly notified the fuel station for aviation turbine fuel (ATF), arranged transportation for the passengers and crew, and alerted a fellow airman to be ready with a fire extinguisher. I took my position to guide the aircraft with marshalling pads.

At precisely 7:40 AM, a white Dornier aircraft approached the runway. It landed smoothly, and the pilot taxied it to the designated parking area. I guided the aircraft to ensure it was correctly positioned for the pilot's convenience.

The Dornier is a twin-engine aircraft with propellers mounted on either side of its wings, and the exit door is located behind the left engine. After successfully marshaling the aircraft, I stood directly in front of it, while my colleague remained beside me with the fire extinguisher.

Once I signaled for the engines to be shut down, I awaited the moment they would cease operation. However, the propellers kept spinning as the exit door swung open, and an officer exited the aircraft, rushing beneath the wings. In an instant, the officer ran into the rotating propeller, and I heard a haunting cry that echoed in my ears.

As the propeller halted, I saw the officer sprawled on the ground, blood pooling around him.

Without delay, I called for an ambulance, and the injured officer was transported to a nearby military hospital. Subsequently, an inquiry was initiated, during which I was presented with an extensive questionnaire. The inquiry officer subjected me to numerous questions, which I answered to the best of my ability.

When he invoked a legal term allowing me to ask questions or seek clarifications, I was unfamiliar with the