[randcraw]

1) The pilot [voluntarily] brought down his aircraft.

2) The pilots [involuntarily] brought down their aircraft [because some authority figure(s) forced them down.]

The active verb 'land' can be performed by different actors: pilot vs a more powerful agent (usually who flies an armed aircraft). The voluntary/involuntary agency is a subtle difference that only those familiar with this military practice are likely to grok.