Varanasi Investment：Mid-air scare： Air India Express flight suffers hydraulic snag, lands safely

NEW DELHI: Air India Express Tiruchirapalli-Sharjah flight returned to land safely at the origin on Friday night after suffering a hydraulic snag due to which the landing gear of the Boeing 737 could not be retracted after take off. The Boeing 737 (VT-AYB) had left Trichy at 5.43 pm as IX613 with about 150 people on board.“Since the aircraft was fuelled up to fly to Sharjah, a long flight, the crew burnt fuel for well over a hour by circling nearby before landing. This was done to avoid over weight landing by coming below the maximum landing weight. An over weight landing can damage the landing gear,” said sources. It landed safely around 8.15 pm in Trichy after safely burning fuel.The pilots’ action is being commended. “While we are all trained for such situations in simulators, doing what is required when actually the time comes by keeping presence of mind is keyVaranasi Investment. The pilots of IX613 did that on Friday,” said many pilots.Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in a statement: “Following the hydraulic failure reported on Air India Express flight AXB 613, operating from Trichy to Sharjah with 141 people on board, we are relieved that the aircraft has landed safely at Trichy Airport. The crew followed all safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of every passenger during the emergency. The airport and emergency teams responded swiftly and effectively after a full emergency was declared at 18:05 IST. We commend their quick coordination in preparing for the aircraft❼landing, which was successfully carried out at 20:15 IST.”“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been instructed to conduct a thorough examination of the aircraft to determine the exact cause of the hydraulic issue. In the meantime, Air India Express has been advised to provide all necessary assistance to the passengers, including alternate arrangements for their onward journey. Passenger safety is our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with all airlines and aviation authorities to ensure the highest standards of safety and comfort in our skies,” Naidu said.An AI Express spokesperson said: “We are aware of media reports related to an Air India Express flight operating on the Tiruchirappalli - Sharjah routeHyderabad Stocks. We would like to clarify that no emergency was declared by the operating crewChennai Investment. After reporting a technical snag, the aircraft circled multiple times in the designated area as an abundant precaution, to reduce fuel and weight considering the runway length, before making a safe precautionary landingJaipur Investment. The cause of the snag will be duly investigatedJaipur Stock. In the interim, an alternative aircraft is being arranged for the onward journey of our guests. We regret the inconvenience and reiterate our commitment to prioritising safety in every aspect of our operations.”Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin said on X: “I am heartened to hear that the AI Express flight has landed safely. Upon receiving news of the landing gear issue, I immediately coordinated an emergency meeting with officials over the phone and instructed them to implement all necessary safety measures, including deploying fire engines, ambulances, and medical assistance. I have also now directed the district collector to ensure the continued safety of all the passengers and to provide further assistance. My compliments to the captain and crew for the safe landing.”

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