Air India Flight Suffers Tailstrike During Bengaluru Landing
Delhi-Bengaluru flight grounded for inspection after runway contact incident
- Air India Airbus A321 reports tailstrike during Bengaluru landing
- Flight from Delhi lands safely, passengers disembark normally
- Return Bengaluru-Delhi flight cancelled after inspection order
- Officials cite possible turbulence from departing Boeing 747
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 21st May: An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru reported a tailstrike incident while landing at Bengaluru airport on Thursday, officials said.
The aircraft, identified as Air India flight AI2651, was a narrow-body Airbus A321.
Officials said the flight landed safely and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally without any injuries.
A tailstrike occurs when the rear section of an aircraft makes contact with the runway during landing or takeoff, potentially requiring detailed structural inspections.
Following the incident, the aircraft has been grounded for technical inspection and its return flight from Bengaluru to Delhi has been cancelled.
In a statement, Air India said alternative travel arrangements were being made for affected passengers.
“Our ground teams in Bengaluru are providing all necessary assistance,” the airline said.
The Tata-owned carrier added that the incident would be investigated in accordance with established procedures and in coordination with aviation regulatory authorities.
“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” an airline spokesperson said.
Sources said a Boeing 747 aircraft had departed shortly before the Air India flight began its final approach for landing.
The departing aircraft may have generated wind turbulence, prompting the pilot of the Air India flight to consider a go-around procedure during landing, sources added.
Aviation authorities are expected to examine the aircraft for possible structural damage and review cockpit procedures during the landing sequence.
