Air concerning the incident at Pune Airport on Thursday, May 16, a Delhi-bound Air India flight collided with a tug tractor while taxiing towards the runway for takeoff. The aircraft, carrying approximately 180 passengers, suffered damage to its nose and a tire near the landing gear, but fortunately, all passengers and crew on board remained safe.
The collision occurred around 11:00 PM on Saturday, May 18, as the Air India flight was preparing for departure. Emergency protocols were swiftly enacted, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
“The aircraft, carrying around 180 passengers, suffered damage to its nose and a tire near the landing gear. Despite the collision, all passengers and crew on board are reported to be safe, “an airport official told ANI.
Following the incident, the passengers were immediately offloaded, and arrangements were made for an alternative flight to Delhi. The airline stated that passengers were refunded their onward international connections and were flown to Delhi by other carriers.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest that the tug tractor, used for maneuvering the aircraft on the ground, struck the plane during the taxiing process.
“There was an incident related to one of our aircraft, which was to operate from Pune to Delhi, at the time of its pushback. The aircraft was held back for the check, all passengers were offloaded safely and the flight was canceled. Passengers were eventually refunded their full fares and offered complimentary rescheduling. Those with onward international connections were flown to Delhi by other carriers. An investigation into the incident has already been initiated, “Air India said in a statement.
The DGCA’s investigation will focus on operational protocols and possible leads that led to the incident. Airport operations continued without significant disruption, although the affected aircraft was taken out of service for detailed inspection and repairs for a brief period and is now ready for operations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols and vigilance in the aviation industry. While collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles are rare, they can have serious consequences if not prevented or managed effectively.
The aviation industry has made significant strides in improving safety standards over the years, with advanced technologies, rigorous training programs, and comprehensive safety management systems. However, incidents like this highlight the need for continued vigilance and improvement of safety practices.
In conclusion, the collision between the Air India flight and the tug tractor at Pune Airport was a concerning incident, but it is reassuring that all passengers and crew members remained safe. The DGCA’s investigation will shed light on the cause of the collision and help identify areas for improvement in safety protocols. The aviation industry must remain committed to prioritizing safety and continuously working towards minimizing the risk of such incidents in the future.