IndiGo Flight Grounded After Tail Strike Incident at Ranchi Airport

An IndiGo aircraft experienced a serious tail strike while landing in Ranchi. The incident happened on Friday evening with nearly 70 passengers on board. Officials confirmed the event occurred around 7:30 PMAll passengers and crew were reported safe after the landing. The aircraft was immediately grounded following safety checks. This event adds to recent operational challenges faced by the airline.

Passengers Report Sudden Jolt During Final Approach

Ranchi Airport Director Vinod Kumar described the incident. He stated the aircraft’s tail touched the runway during landing. Passengers felt a sudden jolt but were unharmed.The flight was traveling from Bhubaneswar to Ranchi. According to officials, the aircraft landed safely despite the contact. An investigation into the exact cause is currently underway.

Recent History of Similar Incidents for Airline

This is not an isolated event for IndiGo. According to Reuters, the carrier reported four tail strike incidents in early 2023. India’s aviation regulator conducted a special audit following those events.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) levied a fine. The penalty was for deficiencies in documentation and operational practices. The fine amounted to 3 million rupees, as reported by Reuters.

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The Ranchi tail strike highlights ongoing safety scrutiny for India’s largest carrier. This incident will likely prompt further regulatory review of operational procedures.

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Were any passengers injured in the IndiGo tail strike?

No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Airport officials confirmed everyone was safe after the aircraft landed. The primary issue was the structural contact with the runway.

What happened to the aircraft after the incident?

The plane was grounded in Ranchi. Technical checks found it ineligible for further flight. Its subsequent departure was canceled following the assessment.

How did IndiGo handle affected passengers?

The airline canceled the next scheduled flight. Some passengers canceled their journeys, while others rescheduled. A number of passengers were transported to Bhubaneswar by road.

Has IndiGo faced similar issues before?

Yes. Reuters reported four tail strike incidents in the first half of 2023. This led to a regulatory audit and a subsequent financial penalty for the airline.

What is a tail strike during landing?

A tail strike occurs when the rear of an aircraft contacts the runway. This can happen during takeoff or landing if the plane’s angle is too steep. It can cause significant damage to the aircraft’s structure.

How is IndiGo’s current operational performance?

The airline reported an on-time performance of 84.5% from six major metro airports recently. It has faced wider challenges with delays and cancellations due to crew shortages and weather.