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A recent incident involving an Air India Express flight sparked concerns and prompted an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The flight, carrying 144 passengers and six crew members, encountered a hydraulic snag shortly after takeoff from Trichy, India, on its way to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The pilots, exercising swift action, decided to abort the flight and return to Trichy, circling the airspace for two and a half hours to burn off fuel for a safe landing.
The DGCA investigation was initiated on the orders of the civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, to determine the cause of the hydraulic issue. While 109 of the stranded passengers continued their journey to Sharjah on a ferry flight flown in from Thiruvananthapuram, 35 passengers opted to cancel their travel plans and return home. The incident caused anxiety among passengers and authorities, prompting the mobilization of emergency response teams at Trichy airport.
The incident highlights the importance of robust safety protocols and regular maintenance in the aviation industry. The DGCA investigation is expected to shed light on the factors contributing to the hydraulic failure, potentially leading to recommendations for improved safety measures and procedures. The incident also underscores the crucial role of pilots' experience and decision-making in handling emergencies, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.