Mumbai-bound AI aircraft suffers engine failure soon after take off, returns to IGIA safely

NEW DELHI: An Air India Boeing 777 with about 335 people on board had an engine failure soon after taking off from Delhi on Monday morning for Mumbai. Twin engines planes can land safely on one engine and the aircraft (VT-ALS) operating as AI 887 safely returned to Delhi. IGIA had made preparations for this emergency landing as per protocol. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing this engine failure.

“During flap retraction after take-off, the flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on engine number 2 (right side). Shortly thereafter, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero. Following procedure, crew shut down the engine and aircraft landed safely at Delhi. The incident will be investigated by the permanent investigation board of the airline under the supervision of DGCA,” the aviation ministry said in a statement.

The aircraft had taken off as AI 887 for Mumbai at 6.10 am and was back around 6.52 am, per flight tracing sites. Apart from investigating the engine trouble, the DGCA also oversaw that passenger inconvenience after this air turn back was minimised. Air India arranged another B777 (VT-ALP) to take them to their destination. Refreshments were provided at the boarding gate. The alternate aircraft left Delhi around 10.30 am.

An AI spokesperson said: “The crew operating flight AI 887 from Delhi to Mumbai on Dec 22 decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue as per standard operating procedure. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi and the passengers and crew have disembarked. Air India sincerely regrets inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation. The aircraft is undergoing the necessary checks. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain top priority.”

Select The Times of India as your preferred source on Google Search