An IndiGo flight from Guwahati suffered a tail strike while landing at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday, prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to launch an investigation into the incident. Flight 6E 6542 landed safely after the aircraft’s tail came into contact with the runway during its second approach, and all passengers and crew members disembarked without injuries.
The flight had earlier been forced to execute a go-around during its first approach to Bengaluru amid gusty weather conditions. During the subsequent landing attempt, the aircraft experienced what IndiGo described as an “abnormal runway contact”, following which it was taken out of service for inspection and necessary checks.
Tail strikes runway
The aircraft had departed from Guwahati for Bengaluru earlier in the day and encountered difficult weather conditions while approaching Kempegowda International Airport. The pilots abandoned the first landing attempt and initiated a go-around, a standard procedure in which an aircraft discontinues its approach and climbs away before attempting another landing.
During the second approach, the aircraft’s tail struck the runway as it touched down. Despite the tail strike, the aircraft completed the landing safely and taxied after reaching the ground, with no injuries reported among those on board.
IndiGo said the aircraft had been grounded for inspection after the incident. The airline maintained that the safety of passengers and crew remained its highest priority and said the incident would be examined in accordance with prescribed procedures.
DGCA begins investigation
The DGCA has initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the tail strike. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data and operational circumstances surrounding both landing approaches as part of the probe.
A tail strike occurs when the rear section of an aircraft’s fuselage makes contact with the runway during take-off or landing. Such incidents require detailed engineering inspection because the impact can potentially cause structural damage even when an aircraft lands normally and there are no injuries.
The regulator’s investigation will seek to establish the sequence of events during the approach and landing and assess whether weather, aircraft handling or other operational factors contributed to the incident. No conclusion on the cause had been announced immediately after the occurrence.
Aircraft grounded for checks
Following the landing, passengers were allowed to disembark safely and the aircraft was withdrawn from operations for technical examination. IndiGo said the aircraft would undergo necessary checks before being cleared for further service.
The incident did not result in any reported injuries, but the aircraft will remain subject to inspection because of the abnormal runway contact. The DGCA probe will determine the factors behind the tail strike and whether any further action is required.