Chennai: It was nothing short of a miracle on the skies of Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu on a Friday holiday evening, as an Air India Express pilot skill fully circled over the airspace for over two hours with 144 persons on board following a hydraulic failure and landed the aircraft safely past 8 pm. Among those who had a miraculous escape were six children, sources said.
Preliminary Reports Reveal Details
As per preliminary reports reaching Chennai, the AXB 613 flight bound for Sharjah, had taken off from the Tiruchi airport at around 5.40 pm. However, shortly after take-off, the pilot noticed that the aircraft had encountered a technical fault due to which the landing gear did not retract.
The pilot then decided to return to Tiruchi airspace mid-air. As passengers spent tense moments with prayers on their lips, the pilot radioed the Tiruchi ATC and prepared for emergency landing. “As per standard operating procedure, the pilot circled in the air for over two hours to drain the fuel from the aircraft to a safe level and made a normal landing at night,” a source said.
All passengers on board were safe, confirmed an official.
Authorities Make All The Arrangements For Eventualities
Earlier, preparing to meet any eventuality, the Tiruchi police and health authorities had made all arrangements on the ground. Numerous firefighting engines and ambulances were lined up at the airport. Fortunately, there was no requirement to use them.
Anxious relatives waited outside the airport. “I spoke to my husband. He said he is safe,” said Farhana to a TV channel.
Airline Issues Statement
Air India Express in a detailed statement explained that there was no emergency declared by the plane's crew. The flight was circled in the sky after they noticed a technical snag before a safe landing.
"We are aware of media reports related to an Air India Express flight operating on the Tiruchirappalli - Sharjah route. We would like to clarify that no emergency was declared by the operating crew. After reporting a technical snag, the aircraft circled multiple times in the designated area as an abundant precaution, to reduce fuel and weight considering the runway length, before making a safe precautionary landing. The cause of the snag will be duly investigated. In the interim, an alternative aircraft is being arranged for the onward journey of our guests. We regret the inconvenience and reiterate our commitment to prioritising safety in every aspect of our operations,” said Air India Express Spokesperson.
