An Air India flight from Kochi had a scary moment while landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Monday morning.
Due to heavy rain, the aircraft skidded off the main Runway 27 after touching down around 9:27 AM. The plane went off course by about 16 to 17 metres, moved through an unpaved area, and finally came to a stop on a taxiway.
What happened to the aircraft:
- The aircraft, an Airbus A320 (VT-TYA), damaged three tyres during the skid.
- Its engine cowling (outer covering) was also damaged, possibly due to mud, grass, or other debris.
- Thankfully, it did not get stuck and was able to taxi on its own to a parking bay.
- All passengers and crew were safe, and everyone got off the plane without injury.
Impact on Airport:
- The airport’s main runway (09/27) had to be temporarily shut down.
- A few minor damages were reported on the runway.
- To keep flights running, the secondary runway (14/32) was activated.
Official Statements:
Air India said the flight was affected by heavy rain during landing, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. The plane has now been grounded for safety checks.
The Mumbai airport also confirmed the incident and said that emergency teams responded quickly. They assured that safety is the top priority.
Read more: New Details Emerge in Air India Crash After US Report on Cockpit Audio
Investigation:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sent a team to the airport to investigate the cause of the incident.
Similar Incidents in the Past:
Mumbai airport has seen similar runway skids during monsoon seasons. For example, in September 2023, a Learjet 45 from Visakhapatnam also veered off the runway in heavy rain, and that aircraft took several hours to remove.
Also See: How Does a Black Box Work — And What Did It Reveal About the Air India Crash?
