Raipur: An Air India flight from Delhi to Raipur experienced a bird strike while landing at Swami Vivekananda Airport on Wednesday morning, prompting a thorough safety inspection and delaying its return journey to the national capital by almost three hours.
Incident Details
Officials confirmed that the aircraft landed safely at 8:08 am, a few minutes ahead of its scheduled arrival time of 8:15 am, when it struck a bird during the landing phase. Fortunately, no passengers or crew members sustained any injuries.
Safety Protocols Followed
Following the bird hit, the aircraft was immediately subjected to a comprehensive technical inspection in accordance with aviation safety protocols. Engineers meticulously examined the aircraft, including its engines and other critical components, before clearing it for further operations.
Delay and Departure
The same aircraft was originally scheduled to depart for Delhi at 8:55 am. However, the departure was delayed as the airline awaited technical clearance. After a couple of hours of inspection and safety checks, the aircraft was declared fit to fly and eventually took off for Delhi.
Importance of Inspections
Airport sources emphasized that bird-hit incidents are treated with utmost seriousness in the aviation sector, as they can potentially damage aircraft engines and other vital systems. Standard operating procedures necessitate a thorough inspection before an aircraft is allowed to resume service.
No Significant Damage
Officials confirmed that no significant damage was detected during the examination, and the aircraft completed its onward journey safely.
Recurring Challenge
Bird strikes remain a recurring challenge for airports across the country, particularly during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods when bird activity around airfields tends to increase.
