DGCA Probes Air India Incident: Luggage Container Ingested Into Engine After Wheel Detachment
A baggage container toppled after losing a wheel and was ingested into an Air India aircraft engine at Delhi airport; DGCA probes the incident.
India’s aviation regulator has launched an investigation after an Air India aircraft suffered engine damage when a cargo container was sucked into one of its engines at Delhi airport earlier on Thursday. The incident occurred during ground operations and prompted immediate scrutiny due to the potential risk it posed to passenger and crew safety.
According to sources, the luggage container toppled after one of its wheels reportedly came off, causing it to move into the aircraft’s operational area. As the aircraft’s engine was running, the container was ingested, leading to visible damage. Airport ground staff and airline officials responded swiftly, and the aircraft was grounded for inspection.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a detailed probe to determine how the container came loose and entered the engine’s path. Officials are examining whether standard operating procedures during baggage handling and ground movement were followed and if any lapses in equipment maintenance contributed to the incident.
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Air India sources indicated that all necessary safety protocols were activated immediately after the incident. No injuries were reported, and passengers were either deplaned or accommodated on alternative flights. The airline has said it is fully cooperating with the regulator and conducting its own internal review alongside the DGCA investigation.
Aviation experts note that while such incidents are rare, they highlight the critical importance of strict adherence to ground-handling procedures and regular inspection of equipment used near aircraft. Even minor mechanical failures in ground support systems can escalate into serious safety hazards when aircraft engines are operational.
The findings of the DGCA probe are expected to determine accountability and recommend corrective measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident has once again brought attention to safety practices at busy airports like Delhi, where high traffic volumes demand heightened vigilance during aircraft ground operations.
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