WATCH: Air India Express flight's engine catches fire just before take-off; all passengers evacuated & probe ordered
The Air India Express" Muscat to Kochi flight IX 442, with 141 passengers on board, was on the taxiway when another aircraft reported observing fumes from one of the engines.
Total Views |
Muscat (Oman), Sept 15: After a fire was discovered in one of the engines moments before takeoff on an Air India Express flight headed for Kochi, the aircraft was evacuated at Muscat airport in Oman. As many as 141 passengers were evacuated after one of the engines of a Kochi-bound Air India Express plane caught fire.
The Air India Express' Muscat to Kochi flight IX 442, with 141 passengers on board, was on the taxiway when another aircraft reported observing fumes from one of the engines. However, there was no fire warning indication in the cockpit, the statement said. Some passengers also received some minor bruises during the evacuation.
"As a matter of abundant precaution, and following the prescribed SOPs, the crew stopped on the taxiway and activated the onboard engine fire extinguishers. Thereafter, the passengers were evacuated from the aircraft," the statement read. "The matter is being investigated by the regulatory authorities and also the Airline's Flight Safety Department," said the statement.
Also Read: Delhi Police register FIR against social media influencer Bobby Kataria for smoking on airplane
The airline is extending all facilities to the guests at Muscat. The airline's local management and support staff are are on hand at Muscat airport for assistance. A relief flight has been arranged to bring back the guests from Muscat later this evening, said the statement.
Earlier on July 17, an Air India Express aircraft while operating from Calicut to Dubai was diverted to Muscat after a burning smell was observed from one of the vents in the forward galley of the flight.
Meanwhile, after frequent engineering-related glitches were reported in several airlines, the DGCA conducted several spot checks and advised that all aircraft at base and transit stations shall be released by certifying staff holding a licence with appropriate authorization by their organization.
The move comes after several instances were reported in the country where flights were diverted citing safety or functioning issues. Notably, numerous incidents were reported this year when aircraft either turned back to their originating station or continued landing at the destination with degraded safety margins.