Bengaluru: An Air India aircraft on the Delhi-Bengaluru route brushed the runway while attempting to land at Bengaluru airport on Thursday before executing a go-around, officials said.
The aircraft has since been grounded, and the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry into the incident, an official familiar with the matter said.
The pilots have been taken off roster pending the probe, the official added.
“Flight AI-2651, operating from Delhi to Bengaluru on 21 May, experienced a tail-strike during landing. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally,” said an Air India spokesperson said.
A tail-strike occurs when the rear portion of an aircraft makes first contact with the runway during landing or take-off because of an excessive nose-up attitude.
“The aircraft has been grounded for detailed inspection. The incident will be investigated in accordance with established procedures, in coordination with the relevant regulatory authorities,” the spokesperson added.
The airline said the return Bengaluru-Delhi flight, AI-2652, was cancelled after the aircraft was grounded.
“Alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate affected passengers at the earliest. Our ground teams in Bengaluru are providing all necessary assistance. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the spokesperson said.
A second airline official said the episode was triggered by wake turbulence, which happens when an aircraft flies through the disturbed air left behind by another plane. The larger the aircraft, the more intense the turbulence can be.
A freight B-747 had taken off just before the Air India flight tried to land. During the approach, the tail strike happened, and the A-321 pilot then performed a go-around because of wind disturbance, the official said.
