Wingtip Collision During Taxi
On a recent Tuesday, the routine operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were briefly interrupted by an unexpected encounter.
The wingtips of an Air India aircraft and an IndiGo plane, both A320 models, lightly scraped against each other as they maneuvered on the taxiway. The Air India flight, AI2732, was poised for departure to Coimbatore, while the IndiGo flight, 6E 791, had just completed its journey from Hyderabad. Both aircraft were moving at a slow pace when the mishap involving their right wingtips occurred. This rare event, while concerning, did not result in any injuries to the passengers on board either aircraft, highlighting the robust safety protocols in place even during such ground incidents.
Immediate Aftermath and Inspections
Following the wingtip contact, both airlines swiftly took action to ensure the safety and integrity of their aircraft. The Air India aircraft, designated VT-TYF, was immediately taken out of service for a thorough technical inspection. Passengers booked on flight AI2732 were asked to disembark, and alternative arrangements were made to ensure their onward travel to Coimbatore. Similarly, the IndiGo aircraft, registered as VT-IFV, which had just landed from Hyderabad, also underwent mandatory maintenance checks. Both airlines confirmed the incident in separate statements, emphasizing the safety of their passengers and crew. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was promptly informed, and officials from the regulatory body arrived at the scene to commence an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the taxiway incident.
DGCA Investigation Commences
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken charge of the investigation into the unusual incident at Mumbai airport. Officials were dispatched to the site shortly after the wingtip scrape between the Air India and IndiGo aircraft. Preliminary reports from the DGCA indicate that the Air India A320 (VT-TYF) was taxiing from taxiway C1 towards M4 for its departure, while the IndiGo A320 (VT-IFV) was making its way after arrival, intending to join taxiway B1. The contact occurred while both aircraft were in motion during their taxiing phases. The DGCA's involvement underscores the seriousness with which such ground incidents are treated within the aviation industry, aiming to understand the exact sequence of events and implement any necessary preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
