An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 operating a night flight to Kannur suffered damage during take-off at Muscat airport after the aircraft lined up with runway edge lights instead of the runway centreline at night, according to sources. Oman’s Air Accidents Investigation Sector (AAIS) has classified the occurrence as an accident and launched an investigation.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on May 15 after flight IX 712 from Muscat to Kannur had lined up for departure at 9:10 pm local time. The aircraft, registered as VT-AXR, entered runway 26L from taxiway E7 and aligned with the right-hand edge lights before commencing take-off. According to a source, the pilot-in-command was a foreign national while the first officer was Indian.
Sequence of Events
During the take-off roll, the aircraft struck and destroyed a number of runway edge lights, said sources. After a loud bang and a master caution indication in the cockpit, the crew rejected the take-off and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway.
The aircraft reportedly suffered a hydraulic leak and a flat tyre. Passengers and crew later disembarked on the runway before being taken back to the terminal. Sources said the aircraft's engines were severely damaged due to foreign object ingestion.
Aftermath and Disruption
The aircraft remained grounded in Muscat for several days after the occurrence. A replacement Boeing 737-800 operated the flight to Kannur the following day with a delay of over 13 hours. The airline’s statement on the incident was awaited.
The investigation by Oman’s AAIS is expected to determine the root cause of the alignment error and any contributing factors, including pilot procedures and airport lighting systems. This incident highlights the critical importance of precise aircraft positioning during night operations.
