AAIB Blames ‘Wrong Turn’ For Near Mid-Air Collision Between IndiGo Planes In Delhi Skies

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New Delhi: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has blamed ‘wrong turn’ by an aircraft for the near collision between two IndiGo planes after take-off from Delhi airport in November last year.

According to the report, the A321 departed from IGI Airport’s Runway 27 at 12.31 pm on November 17, and was cleared by the air traffic controller to climb to 8,000 feet. However, the aircraft was seen turning left toward RWY 29R (Runway 29 Right) from where Delhi-Raipur flight took off at the same time. “During this sequence, a breach of separation occurred…triggering a Current Conflict alert,” the AAIB said.

At the time of the closest lateral separation (0.2 NM), vertical separation was 800 feet against the required 1,000 feet. The aircraft, however, tore away from each other after receiving TCAS-RAs (Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System-Resolution Advisory). “There was no injury to any of the occupant on board in both aircraft. There was no damage,” the report added.

Notably, TCAS is an indispensable safety system in aircraft designed to prevent mid-air collisions.

IndiGo, however, is yet to comment on the incident or the AAIB investigation, which included data from the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, operational manuals from the airline and airport, as well as recordings of radar data and Air Traffic Control communications.

Additionally, the aviation incident investigation agency has gathered preliminary statements from the relevant flight crew and air traffic controllers.

(With inputs from TOI and Indian Express)