Air India Flight Skids Off Rain-Soaked Runway in Mumbai, Engine Damaged
In a terrifying incident on Monday morning, an Air India flight arriving from Kochi had a close shave during landing at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The aircraft veered off the rain-soaked runway and suffered visible engine damage, but all passengers and crew are safe, officials confirmed.
✈️ What Happened?
The incident occurred around 9:27 AM when the flight made a rough landing due to wet conditions on the runway. According to visuals accessed by NDTV:
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A clump of grass was stuck to the rear engine,
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The right engine’s nacelle (outer casing) was damaged,
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Three signage boards and four runway edge lights were broken.
Government sources revealed that one of the aircraft’s wheels veered into the grassy side of the runway, leading to a runway excursion—a term used when an aircraft unintentionally exits the runway.
🛑 Immediate Response & Investigation
Mumbai Airport quickly issued a statement confirming the incident and launching emergency protocols. The damaged aircraft has been grounded for inspection, and both pilots have been derostered pending a full investigation.
"All passengers and crew are safe. Our emergency teams were immediately activated to manage the situation," the official airport statement read.
⚠️ Impact on Operations
Minor damage was reported to Mumbai’s primary runway (09/27). To avoid disruption, secondary runway 14/32 has been activated. However, it's unclear if flight delays will occur, as the airport remains cautious amid ongoing heavy rainfall.
🌧️ Heavy Rain a Key Factor
Mumbai has been battling continuous heavy rains, leading to:
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Waterlogged roads
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Disrupted public transport
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Travel delays across the city
The Mumbai Airport also issued an advisory to all travelers, asking them to:
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Check flight statuses before leaving home
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Allow extra travel time due to weather and traffic congestion
🕵️♂️ Under the DGCA's Radar
This incident comes just weeks after the AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed over 250 lives, pushing the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to tighten safety protocols.
With the Mumbai runway scare, scrutiny over aircraft operations during poor weather is expected to increase. Authorities are focusing on better pilot training, runway maintenance, and real-time communication in extreme conditions.
✅ Conclusion: Safety First
Thanks to the quick response from airport officials, a major disaster was averted. While passengers are safe, the incident raises serious questions about aviation safety during monsoon season. Investigations will determine the exact cause, but for now, precaution and preparedness remain key.
Reference from:- https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-flight-veers-off-runway-during-touchdown-in-mumbai-engine-damaged-8915691