A major Indigo Airlines flight accident was narrowly avoided in Mumbai on Saturday morning. An aircraft arriving from Bangkok suffered a tail strike while landing in heavy rain, scraping its rear section on the runway. Although the incident triggered panic among passengers, the pilot managed to control the aircraft and safely complete the landing.
According to eyewitness accounts, the plane was descending unusually low when the mishap occurred. The rear fuselage suddenly hit the runway, producing a loud scraping noise. For a few tense moments, passengers feared the worst, but the crew managed the situation with skill.
An Indigo spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, “There was no major damage. The pilot used alternate procedures to land the aircraft safely. The plane will undergo mandatory checks, and it will only be cleared for service once found airworthy.”
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred with Indigo. Over the past two years, at least seven similar tail strike incidents have been reported. In 2023, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had fined Indigo ₹30 lakh for repeated safety violations.
Experts explain that a tail strike happens when the rear end of an aircraft scrapes the runway during landing or takeoff, often due to improper approach angles or pilot error. While sometimes manageable, repeated occurrences raise concerns about training standards and maintenance practices.
A DGCA official has confirmed that a detailed probe has been ordered. “Passenger safety is our top priority. If any violations of standard operating procedures are found, strict action will be taken against the airline,” the regulator stated.
Thankfully, no passengers were injured in the latest incident. However, aviation analysts warn that recurring accidents of this nature could undermine confidence in India’s largest airline. Many passengers are now questioning why such issues are happening repeatedly and whether enough corrective measures are being taken.
For Indigo, the Mumbai tail strike serves as yet another reminder that safety cannot be compromised. While disaster was averted this time, experts stress that such close calls highlight the urgent need for stronger safety protocols and enhanced pilot training.
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