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An Air India Express flight bound for Sharjah from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, experienced a mid-air scare due to a hydraulic failure shortly after takeoff. Despite the incident, the aircraft, carrying 144 passengers, managed to land safely at the Tiruchirappalli airport. The flight, AXB 613, took off at 5:40 pm on October 11, 2024, and encountered the snag shortly after commencing its journey. Upon reporting the issue, the pilot was instructed to turn back, but due to the substantial fuel load, a precautionary landing was deemed unsafe. Instead, the pilot implemented a holding pattern at a distance from Tiruchirappalli, burning off fuel to reduce weight.
After over two and a half hours in the air, the plane touched down at 8:15 pm, met with cheers and applause from the relieved passengers. The incident sparked concerns about the aircraft's landing gear, prompting authorities to prepare for an emergency landing. Ambulances and fire engines were put on standby at the airport, and the pilot maintained constant communication with Air Traffic Control. Fortunately, a successful normal landing was executed, with video footage showing the aircraft properly engaging its landing gear. An internal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the hydraulic failure.
The incident triggered a rapid response from authorities. The Tiruchirappalli Airport Director, Gopalakrishnan, confirmed the deployment of 20 ambulances and 18 fire engines for an emergency landing scenario. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu instructed officials to remain on high alert, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) coordinated with relevant agencies. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin held an emergency meeting with officials, instructing them to implement necessary safety measures and provide assistance to the passengers. The Air India Express spokesperson clarified that no emergency was declared by the pilots and the cause of the snag will be investigated. They reassured passengers that an alternative aircraft is being arranged for their onward journey.
Source: After Mid-Air Scare, Air India Express Flight Lands Safely In Trichy