New Delhi: Former Army chief General JJ Singh has recalled a tense experience aboard an IndiGo flight from Goa to Delhi after the aircraft suffered an engine failure shortly after take-off on Tuesday.
Flight 6E 2102, carrying 229 people, was forced to make an emergency landing at Manohar International Airport after the pilot reported a suspected engine failure. The aircraft had departed Goa at around 9.16 am and landed safely at 9.50 am.
Singh, who was among the passengers, said the aircraft was still climbing around 20 minutes after departure when he heard a loud noise and a hissing sound coming from one of the engines. He then noticed that the aircraft's acceleration had reduced considerably despite being on full thrust.
Passengers soon realised that something was wrong. According to Singh, some people began crying, screaming and praying as the situation became clear. He said he tried to reassure fellow passengers, although he was also aware of the fear and uncertainty inside the aircraft.
Singh particularly recalled a woman travelling with her three-month-old baby who was visibly distressed.
Despite the tense situation, Singh praised the pilot for remaining calm and focused. He said the pilot did not create unnecessary panic among the passengers and continued handling the emergency professionally.
According to Singh, the pilot informed the passengers only shortly before touchdown that one of the aircraft's engines had failed. The pilot's priority, he said, was to bring the aircraft safely back to the ground.
The plane landed without further incident, and passengers heaved a sigh of relief. They were subsequently evacuated and taken by bus to a holding area. Singh said there was no emergency slide evacuation and passengers left the aircraft through the normal process.
Singh, who also previously served as governor of Arunachal Pradesh, said the experience made him reflect on how quickly circumstances can change. He had originally planned to travel differently but changed his plans, a decision that he later thought about during the flight.
Impressed by the pilot's handling of the emergency, Singh said he had written to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and IndiGo, recommending that the pilot be considered for a spot promotion or, at least, a special incentive or increment.
IndiGo said the aircraft was undergoing maintenance checks. The airline said standard operating procedures were followed after a technical issue was detected shortly after take-off. The relevant authorities were informed and the pilots turned the aircraft around before landing it safely at Manohar International Airport.
The incident once again highlighted the importance of crew training and calm decision-making during in-flight emergencies.
Reader Comments 0