In a nerve-wracking incident, an Air India flight en route from Delhi to Mumbai declared an emergency just moments before its scheduled landing, sending a wave of tension through both the crew and passengers on board.
The emergency was prompted by a malfunction in one of the two CFM engines powering the Airbus A320neo, specifically, a malfunction in the fire engine. This critical situation led the pilots to swiftly declare a May Day, alerting Mumbai air traffic control about the emergency. Passengers held their breath as the aircraft descended toward Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, ultimately landing safely.
Despite the alarming situation, Air India reported that upon inspection, no indications of fire or smoke were found. An Air India spokesperson stated, "AI814 operating Delhi to Mumbai on 19 December 2023 experienced a fire warning indication on one of its engines. As a precaution, an emergency was declared, and air traffic control informed. The flight landed uneventfully, and upon inspection, no signs of fire or smoke were detected."
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. This occurrence has raised concerns about the safety of CFM engines, which are commonly utilized in various commercial aircraft. The investigation will delve into the root cause of the engine malfunction and assess the overall safety of these engines in aviation contexts.
(With Agency Inputs)
Read also| Air India deploys newly inducted Boeing 777 aircraft to all three US destinations
Read also| Air India to Commence Four Weekly Flights from Delhi to Phuket
