An IndiGo Airbus A321neo departing for Bengaluru suffered a tail strike during takeoff from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on September 9, 2024.
IndiGo flight 6E6054, an Airbus A321neo bound for Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) had conducted a departure from RWY09 Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
IndiGo 6E6054 Delhi-Bengaluru
During the takeoff, the aircraft’s tail struck the runway surface causing substantial damage to the tail section.
The flight crew continued with the scheduled flight, climbing to flight level FL350 (35,000 feet) and proceeding on flight plan track to Bangalore.
The aircraft subsequently landed without incident at the destination Kempegowda International Airport.
No injuries were reported amongst passengers or crew as a result of the takeoff incident. The substantial damage to the tail assembly was discovered during a ground inspection at Bengaluru.
Flight data from the aircraft has reportedly been sent to Airbus for assessment. The Indian aviation regulator DGCA is now conducting an investigation into the incident.
IndiGo Statement
The airline subsequently released a statement confirming the takeoff incident. “On Sept 9, 2024, an IndiGo A321 was grounded in Bangalore due to a tail strike. The aircraft is currently under maintenance and will be back in operation post necessary repairs. The incident is under investigation.”
The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, sustained damage to its tail section after hitting the runway. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. The incident has prompted a thorough investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Following the tailstrike, the aircraft was grounded in Bengaluru for repairs. The crew involved in the incident has also been temporarily grounded by the DGCA.
The aircraft conducting the 6E6054 the domestic service from Delhi was an Airbus A321neo, registered VT-IBI. This is a 1.7 year old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier IndiGo. It has been an operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in February 2023.
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