Air India Flight
In a terrifying few seconds for the passengers and crew, an Air India Express flight performed a belly landing at Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) Airport in Tamil Nadu after it developed a mid-air emergency! The potential catastrophe was averted as all 170 passengers walked away safe and sound due to the professional handling of the flight crew injuring no one.
The course of action taken by the flight crew, and Air India Express’ safety protocols as well as more importantly what it means for aviation safety standards in India.
The Incident: Mid-Air Scare
The incident took place on an Air India Express flight IX-611 from Dubai to Trichy. An emergency had been declared from the get-go, and initial claims state that a mere several hours after take-off the plane plunged into trouble. The exact nature of the gaffe is still being investigated, though outlet tipsters suggest a potential failure with the hydraulic system or an issue with pressurization.
The pilot and co-pilot, realizing the system malfunction, conveyed the same to AI Mumbai and ATC, informing Trichy. The crew immediately started with its safety protocol, preparing for a potential emergency landing while trying to keep passengers calm.
What Could Have Caused the Mid-Air Emergency?
Although investigations into what happened are still taking place, experts believe several scenarios could have caused the mid-air scare:
- Hydraulic System Failure: In control of important parts in the airplane such as landing gear, breaks, and flight control surfaces.
- Pressurization: A pressurization problem can make the passengers uncomfortable and necessitate an immediate descent to an altitude at which the atmosphere is denser and thereby more pressure. This is not an uncommon occurrence, but it should be cautiously approached.
- Electrical Malfunctions: Any electrical problems have the potential to interfere with several systems, including communication with ground control, and should be rectified as soon as possible.
The DGCA will conduct a detailed investigation—analyzing flight data and voice recordings.
