Air India Flight Carrying 180 Passengers Collides With Tug Tractor On Pune Runway; No Casualties Reported

The collision resulted in damage to the airplane's nose and a tyre near the landing gear.

by Nikitha Sebastian
Air India Flight Carrying 180 Passengers Collides With Tug Tractor On Pune Runway; No Casualties Reported

A close call was averted on Thursday, May 16, at Pune Airport in India. An Air India flight bound for Delhi, carrying approximately 180 passengers, collided with a tug tractor while taxiing towards the runway. Thankfully, reports confirm that all on board the aircraft emerged unscathed from the incident. The damage to the aircraft forced the flight to be delayed, and all passengers had to disembark.

Close Call Averted

 

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The collision resulted in damage to the plane’s nose and a tyre near the landing gear. An official from the airport, speaking to news agency ANI, assured that despite the impact, “all passengers and crew on board are reported to be safe.”

The incident caused a disruption, with passengers disembarking the aircraft following the mishap. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Initial reports suggest the tug tractor, a vehicle used to manoeuvre flights on the ground, struck the plane during the taxiing process.

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Investigation Launched To Determine Cause Of Collision

This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols in airport operations. Fortunately, the swift response of the crew and airport personnel ensured a safe outcome for everyone involved.

Air India has not yet released any details regarding alternative arrangements for the stranded passengers. It is likely that they will be accommodated on a rescheduled flight or rebooked on flights with other airlines servicing the Delhi route.

The DGCA’s investigation is expected to shed light on the cause of the incident. It will be crucial to identify any potential lapses in protocol or communication that may have contributed to the collision. The findings will be used to implement corrective measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the continued safety of passengers and airport personnel.

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This incident highlights the complexities of airport ground operations. Maintaining clear communication and adherence to safety procedures are paramount in preventing such mishaps.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

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