The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) India is investigating a serious incident involving a tail strike that occurred on an IndiGo Airbus A321-252NX (VT-IBI) during flight 6E 6054 from Delhi to Bengaluru on September 9. A tail strike, where the aircraft’s tail makes contact with the runway during takeoff or landing, is a potentially dangerous occurrence that can cause significant damage to the aircraft.
In a statement, the DGCA confirmed that the airline has forwarded the flight data to Airbus for a thorough assessment. This data will help determine both the exact cause of the incident and the extent of the damage to the aircraft. The investigation will also focus on any technical or procedural issues that may have contributed to the tail strike.
As a precautionary measure, the DGCA has grounded the flight crew involved in the incident, pending the outcome of the investigation. This step is standard practice in such cases, allowing for a comprehensive review of the incident without operational pressure on the crew.
IndiGo, one of India’s leading airlines, has stated that it is cooperating fully with the investigation and working closely with Airbus to ensure all necessary actions are taken. The aircraft involved in the incident has been taken out of service for inspection and repairs.
Tail strikes can occur due to a variety of reasons, including improper takeoff or landing technique, incorrect weight distribution, or external factors such as weather conditions. The DGCA’s investigation will explore all possible angles to ensure such incidents are minimized in the future.
While no injuries were reported, the seriousness of the incident has prompted a swift response from both the airline and the authorities. The DGCA’s proactive stance reflects India’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards in its aviation sector. Further updates are expected as Airbus completes its assessment and the DGCA continues its investigation.