PZL Iskra W-1786 , Hakimpet AFS Officer's Mess

The Iskra [W-1786]at the Hakimpet AFS Officer's Mess is very highly visible for the general public. The Road to the popular Shamirpet lake resort to the north of the city passes just in front of the Officer's Mess and the aircraft can be seen clearly as it sits high on the blue pole in front of the building.

Iskra W 1786 displayed on a pole at the Air Force Officers mess at the Hakimpet Air Force Station. Pic Courtesy : Simon Watson

Previously the Same Iskra Trainer was displayed on Concrete Pedestals facing the road.

The aircraft was earlier displayed with its undercarraige down and was placed on three concrete pedestals. The aircraft faced the road and its serial number was painted in blue. The aircraft was seen in the early 90s in this place. Since Iskra's are still flying from the nearby airfield of Hakimpet, it can be speculated that this example must have been written off or damaged in an accident and displayed here later.

Two views of the Iskra W 1786 displayed on a pole at the Air Force Officers mess at the Hakimpet Air Force Station.  This Iskra seemed to be totally stripped of all equipment from the cockpit. Operated by the Fighter Training Wing , there are approximately Forty of these 1960s vintage armament trainers still in service.

There are no ejection seats in the cockpit and the aircraft seems to be stripped off of all usable equipment. The cause of this aircraft being stuck off the active list is a mystery. As much as the source of the tail lying in the park in Vayupuri.