PUNE- A Delhi (DEL)-bound Air India (AI) flight with 180 passengers collided with a tug tractor on the Pune Airport runway on Thursday (May 16, 2024), ANI reported.
Fortunately, there were no injuries to the passengers, although the aircraft sustained damage.
Air India A321 Collided at Pune
“The aircraft, carrying around 180 passengers, suffered damage to its nose and a tyre near the landing gear. Despite the collision, all passengers and crew on board are reported to be safe,” an airport official told the news agency.
Following the incident, passengers were safely disembarked, and alternative arrangements were made as they waited at the airport.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an inquiry to determine the cause of the collision, ANI reported.
Preliminary findings suggest that the tug truck, which is used to maneuver the aircraft on the ground, struck the plane during taxiing.
Airport operations continued without significant disruption, although the affected aircraft was temporarily taken out of service for inspection and repairs and is now ready for operations.
Flight Delayed by 6 Hours
According to Flight Radar 24, the Air India flight AI858 from Pune (PNQ) expected to take off at 4:00 PM IST delayed by 6 hours following the ground collision.
Luckily aircraft did not suffer heavy damages and after inspection was brought back into the service.
The flight took off at 10:33 PM local time and landed at Delhi (DEL) at around 12:17 AM IST.
Air India flight AI858 was operated by Airbus A321-200, registered as VT-PPL. The aircraft is 15 years and 4 months old and is powered by CFM engines.
Following this incident, Air India flight AI854 which was to be operated by VT-PPL from PNQ to DEL was cancelled.
More details are awaited and we will keep you posted. Keep checking back for the latest updates.
Similar Incident
In March 2024, Two aircraft, registered as VT-TGG, a 737-800 operated by Air India Express (IX), and VT-ISS, an A320neo operated by IndiGo Airlines (6E), were involved in a ground collision while taxiing to Runway 19R at Kolkata Airport (CCU).
The incident occurred during the taxiing process, with VT-TGG bound for Chennai (MAA) and VT-ISS destined for Darbhanga. Subsequently, both aircraft returned to the bay following the collision.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated the removal of IndiGo pilots from duty rotations, alongside initiating a thorough investigation following an incident where an IndiGo aircraft collided with a stationary Air India Express aircraft at Kolkata Airport.
The official mentioned that an inquiry had been initiated, leading to the removal of both IndiGo pilots from active duty. Additionally, the ground staff will undergo questioning as part of the investigative procedure. Both aircraft involved were grounded to facilitate a comprehensive inspection.
“A taxiing aircraft from another airline brushed against one of our stationary aircraft, which was awaiting clearance to enter the runway at Kolkata for a scheduled flight to Chennai. Subsequently, the affected aircraft has returned to the bay, and further investigation is underway. We are collaborating with the regulator and airport authorities in this regard. We regret any inconvenience caused to our passengers due to these external circumstances.”Spokesperson from Air India Express
IndiGo described the incident as a minor brush, noting that the aircraft bound for Darbhanga has been brought back to the bay for additional inspection. They mentioned that flight 6E 6152 from Kolkata experienced a delay.
“We have provided refreshments to all passengers, and arrangements have been made for an alternative aircraft to minimize inconvenience and delay.”
IndiGo in its official statement
They also indicated an incident report will be filed with the DGCA per standard protocol.
According to Air India Express, the affected aircraft has returned to the bay, and they are in coordination with the DGCA and airport authorities for further proceedings.
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