On June 23, 1980, Sanjay Gandhi, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s younger son, died in a plane crash. An active politician and skilled pilot, Sanjay enjoyed flying and had recently ordered a Pitts S2A, known for its aerobatic capabilities. He first flew this plane on June 21 from Delhi’s Safdarjung Airport and again the next day with Indira and Maneka Gandhi aboard. On June 23, at 7:58 am, Sanjay took off with Subhash Saxena, a former instructor of the Delhi Flying Club. Mid-flight, the plane’s engine failed, causing it to crash and break into pieces. Both Sanjay Gandhi and Subhash Saxena were pronounced dead at the hospital.
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