NEW DELHI: The aviation ministry has directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct a detailed probe into the IndiGo engine fire incident at Delhi Airport on Friday night when a Delhi-Bengaluru had to abort take off for this reason. Luckily the aircraft, Airbus A320ceo, with over 180 people on board halted safely and fire extinguisher was quickly used to douse the fire. A passenger shooting take off video on 6E-2131 captures the scary moments that show fire on one engine.
A senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said: “The IndIgo A320 (VT-IFM) was involved in reject takeoff as engine two fail warning came. Loud bang (sound) was heard. Fire extinguisher bottle was discharged. The aircraft returned to the bay and has been grounded for inspection. The DGCA will carry out a detailed investigation to ascertain the cause and suitable followup action shall be taken.”
The aviation ministry tweeted: “Concerned officials at DGCA have been directed to look into this and furnish a report at the earliest.”
A passenger Priyanka Kumar Tweeted a video from her handle, @Priyankaakumarr, Tweeted: “Scary experience on Delhi runway! This was supposed to be a take off video but this happened. IndiGo.” The video tweeted by her shows fire near or on one engine.
IndiGo said in a statement the aircraft “experienced a technical issue while on take-off roll, immediately after which the pilot aborted the take off and the aircraft safely returned to the bay. All passengers and crew are safe and an alternate aircraft was arranged to operate the flight, which took off at 12.16 am on Saturday (Oct 29). We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers.”
Several airlines, including IndiGo which has the largest fleet in India, have dozens of their aircraft grounded as they are awaiting replacement engines which are delayed due to supply chain issues globally. As a result, engine majors Pratt & Whitney and CFM are unable to supply in time. The aircraft that aborted take off Friday could now join the scores of other planes awaiting engines or some other components for a long period of time.
A senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said: “The IndIgo A320 (VT-IFM) was involved in reject takeoff as engine two fail warning came. Loud bang (sound) was heard. Fire extinguisher bottle was discharged. The aircraft returned to the bay and has been grounded for inspection. The DGCA will carry out a detailed investigation to ascertain the cause and suitable followup action shall be taken.”
The aviation ministry tweeted: “Concerned officials at DGCA have been directed to look into this and furnish a report at the earliest.”
A passenger Priyanka Kumar Tweeted a video from her handle, @Priyankaakumarr, Tweeted: “Scary experience on Delhi runway! This was supposed to be a take off video but this happened. IndiGo.” The video tweeted by her shows fire near or on one engine.
IndiGo said in a statement the aircraft “experienced a technical issue while on take-off roll, immediately after which the pilot aborted the take off and the aircraft safely returned to the bay. All passengers and crew are safe and an alternate aircraft was arranged to operate the flight, which took off at 12.16 am on Saturday (Oct 29). We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers.”
Several airlines, including IndiGo which has the largest fleet in India, have dozens of their aircraft grounded as they are awaiting replacement engines which are delayed due to supply chain issues globally. As a result, engine majors Pratt & Whitney and CFM are unable to supply in time. The aircraft that aborted take off Friday could now join the scores of other planes awaiting engines or some other components for a long period of time.