New Delhi: Aviation regulator DGCA has launched an investigation after an IndiGo Airbus A321 operating from Guwahati to Bengaluru suffered a tail strike at Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday, adding to regulatory scrutiny over similar incidents involving the airline's A321 fleet.
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IndiGo flight 6E 6542 aborted its initial landing approach at Bengaluru and subsequently landed safely. Reports differ on the precise sequence of the tail strike: some sources said it occurred during the second landing approach, while other reporting said the aircraft's tail contacted the runway during the go-around from its first approach. The DGCA investigation is expected to establish the exact circumstances.
There were no injuries. All passengers and crew disembarked safely after the aircraft landed.
IndiGo described the incident as an “abnormal runway contact” during gusty weather and said the aircraft had been taken out of service for maintenance checks. The airline said all relevant authorities had been informed and the aircraft would return to operations only after receiving the necessary clearances.
The DGCA probe assumes significance against the backdrop of previous tail-strike incidents involving IndiGo's A321 aircraft. According to a report on Monday, the regulator has already raised the broader issue with IndiGo, while the airline has informed the DGCA that it has increased its focus on pilot training in this area.
The latest incident comes roughly a month after another IndiGo A321, operating a Delhi-Gorakhpur flight, experienced a tail strike during an approach. That aircraft was subsequently grounded for inspection and repairs.
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An alternate aircraft was arranged for the affected aircraft's subsequent Bengaluru-Coimbatore sector, while airport operations were not disrupted by Sunday's incident.
A tail strike occurs when the rear section of an aircraft contacts the runway during take-off or landing, including in some go-around situations. Such incidents require detailed inspection to rule out structural damage before the aircraft is cleared to fly again.
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