An Air India flight experienced a tail strike during landing at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Wednesday, prompting authorities to ground the aircraft for thorough inspection. The incident occurred as the aircraft, operating Flight AI-XXX, touched down on the runway, resulting in the tail section scraping against the tarmac.
Incident Details
The flight, which originated from Delhi, was landing amid clear weather conditions when the tail strike happened. Preliminary reports indicate that the approach angle may have been steeper than usual, causing the rear of the plane to make contact with the ground. No injuries were reported among the 150 passengers and crew members on board.
Immediate Response
Airport authorities immediately deployed emergency response teams to the scene. The aircraft was safely evacuated, and passengers were transported to the terminal. The runway was temporarily closed for inspection but has since been reopened for operations.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, has been grounded pending structural integrity checks. Air India stated that safety is their top priority and that they are cooperating fully with investigators.
Tail strikes are rare but serious incidents that can cause structural damage to the aircraft. They often occur due to pilot error, such as excessive pitch during takeoff or landing, or due to environmental factors like wind shear.
Passenger Experience
Passengers described a jolt and a loud noise as the plane landed. One passenger said, "We felt a sudden bump and then heard a scraping sound. The pilot announced that we had a tail strike and that emergency services would meet us." Another passenger praised the crew's professionalism during the incident.
Industry Context
This incident comes amid increased scrutiny of aviation safety in India, following several near-miss incidents in recent months. The DGCA has been conducting random safety audits of airlines to ensure compliance with regulations. Air India, which was recently acquired by the Tata Group, has been working to improve its safety record and operational efficiency.
The airline has assured that alternative arrangements are being made for the affected passengers. The grounded aircraft will undergo a comprehensive inspection before being cleared to fly again.
