Unplanned Wingtip Encounter
On a Tuesday in Mumbai, the routine ballet of aircraft movement took an unexpected turn when the wings of an Air India and an IndiGo plane brushed against
each other. The incident occurred on the taxiway as the planes maneuvered, with Air India flight AI2732 bound for Coimbatore preparing for departure and IndiGo flight 6E 791 having just arrived from Hyderabad. Both aircraft were proceeding at a slow pace when the tips of their right wings inadvertently touched. Thankfully, no passengers or crew members sustained any injuries during this peculiar event. The immediate aftermath saw both aircraft taken out of active service for thorough technical examinations to assess any potential damage and ensure flight safety. Aviation authorities were promptly on the scene to investigate the circumstances leading to this rare aerial proximity.
Aftermath and Inspection
Following the wingtip contact, a ripple of operational adjustments ensued. The Air India aircraft, designated for the Mumbai to Coimbatore route, experienced a delay as passengers were deplaned. Arrangements were made to transport these passengers to their destination via alternative means, prioritizing their onward travel. The aircraft itself was grounded for essential technical checks and inspections to ascertain the extent of any damage to its wingtip. Similarly, IndiGo confirmed that their aircraft, which had completed its flight from Hyderabad, also underwent detailed maintenance evaluations. The airline assured that all passengers were safely disembarked after the aircraft was parked. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the sequence of events, noting that the Air India A320 (VT-TYF) was taxiing towards a departure point, while the IndiGo A320 (VT-IFV) was entering a taxiway post-arrival. The DGCA's preliminary report indicated that both aircraft were in motion when their right wingtips made contact, leading to their return to designated bays for inspection.
