 |
|
An Air India Express flight bound for Sharjah experienced a mid-air scare on Friday, October 11, 2024, leading to an emergency landing at the Tiruchi International Airport. The incident, caused by a hydraulic failure, prompted a detailed investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
A senior DGCA official arrived at the Tiruchi airport from Chennai on Saturday morning to conduct a thorough probe. The official's investigation will include a comprehensive examination of the aircraft to determine the root cause of the hydraulic failure. They will also analyze the conversation record between the pilot and the Air Traffic Control Tower, seeking insight into the handling of the situation.
Furthermore, the DGCA official is expected to speak with the flight engineers and the pilot, gathering firsthand accounts of the incident. The affected aircraft has been grounded at the Tiruchi airport pending the investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the DGCA official will submit a detailed report to the DGCA authorities in New Delhi.
To accommodate the stranded passengers, an alternative flight was arranged from Thiruvananthapuram airport to Sharjah. The flight departed in the early hours of Saturday, carrying 108 passengers, including three infants. A total of 20 passengers opted to change their travel date, while 15 cancelled their journeys altogether, receiving full refunds.
District Collector M. Pradeep Kumar met with some of the passengers at the airport in the early hours of Saturday, documenting the details of the incident. The event highlights the importance of rigorous safety checks and the need for prompt response mechanisms in the face of unforeseen technical glitches, ensuring passenger safety during air travel.