Incident Overview

An Air India flight from Kochi experienced a close call during its landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The aircraft veered off the rain-soaked runway, resulting in damage to one of its engines. Visuals obtained by NDTV reveal a clump of grass attached to the rear of the plane and visible damage to the engine’s nacelle, indicating a significant impact during the runway excursion. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members on board were reported safe by airport authorities.

Details of the Runway Excursion

The incident occurred when the plane made an unintended deviation to one side of the runway upon landing. Government sources confirmed that one of the aircraft’s wheels entered a grassy area beside the runway. This excursion led to the breaking of three signage boards and four runway edge lights. The aircraft has since been grounded for thorough checks, with an inspection currently underway. In response, Air India has derostered the two pilots pending an inquiry into the incident.

Airport and Regulatory Response

Following the incident, Mumbai Airport issued a statement confirming that emergency response teams were promptly activated to manage the situation. The primary runway sustained minor damages, prompting the activation of Secondary Runway 14/32 to ensure continued airport operations. The aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, is closely monitoring safety protocols for passenger flights, especially in light of a recent crash in Ahmedabad.

Weather Conditions and Advisory

Mumbai has been experiencing heavy rainfall, causing waterlogging and transport disruptions across the city. The airport has advised passengers to check their flight status with airlines and allow extra travel time due to potential traffic congestion caused by adverse weather conditions.