India’s DGCA Launches Investigation After Engine Incident Involving Cargo Container at Delhi Airport
India’s aviation authority has initiated an investigation following a serious incident involving an Air India aircraft at Delhi airport. While no injuries were reported, the Airbus A350’s engine sustained damage after it ingested a cargo container during taxiing. The aircraft had just returned from a brief takeoff due to airspace restrictions over Iran, and the incident has raised concerns about ground safety at one of the country’s busiest airports.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 05:25 local time, as the New York-bound Airbus A350 was taxiing towards the parking area after a safe landing. The aircraft had to return shortly after takeoff due to Iran’s temporary closure of its airspace, which forced airlines to reroute their flights. While taxiing, the plane’s right engine ingested a cargo container that had fallen onto the taxiway. At the time, visibility was reportedly poor due to dense fog, complicating the situation further.
According to Air India sources, around 240 passengers were on board when the incident took place. The number of crew members is estimated to be between six and eight. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the cargo container had accidentally fallen from a ground vehicle, which was towing luggage and cargo. The vehicle operator noticed the aircraft taxiing and left the area, inadvertently leaving the container behind.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
In response to the incident, the DGCA has launched a detailed investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the event. Metal debris was cleared from the taxiway, and the damaged aircraft was towed to a designated parking stand for repairs. Photos released by the DGCA show significant damage to the aircraft’s engine casing and fan blades, highlighting the severity of the incident.
This occurrence adds to ongoing scrutiny regarding ground safety at Indian airports. In June of the previous year, the DGCA identified several safety lapses at major airports and airlines, including issues with runway markings, simulator training, crew fatigue, and unauthorized access to cockpits. The recent incident raises further questions about the effectiveness of safety protocols in place at busy airports across the country.
Impact on Air India Operations
As a result of the incident, Air India has warned of potential disruptions on select routes serviced by its Airbus A350 fleet. The airline operates six A350 aircraft, primarily on long-haul routes to destinations such as London and New York. However, the airline has not specified which routes may be affected by the grounding of the aircraft.
The incident not only impacts Air India’s operations but also raises broader concerns about the safety of ground handling procedures at airports. With the DGCA’s investigation underway, the aviation community will be closely monitoring the findings and any subsequent recommendations that may arise to enhance safety measures in the future.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
