An Alliance Air ATR aircraft landed safely at Bhuj from Mumbai after a part of the engine cowling fell down during take-off on Wednesday morning. As per the details, the cowl fell off on the runway at the airport while the flight was preparing to take off. Even though, the flight landed safely at the Bhuj airport.
An investigation has been launched by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
“Alliance Air was scheduled to fly from Mumbai to Bhuj, while the aircraft’s engine cowl fell on the runway and took off without an engine cover… It was reported by Mumbai ATC that Engine Cowling has been found on the runway side after takeoff. It appeared to be from ATR aircraft VT-RKJ at BOM which was operating 91-625(BOM-BHJ). The aircraft is still in continuation of flight,” According to a Mumbai Airport official.
All of the passengers arrived at Bhuj Airport safely. The DGCA will look into the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine who is responsible.
Images of the plane, which were shared on social media and by news organisations, showed the flight’s exposed engine after the cowling fell off on the runway.
At around 6.30 a.m., the aircraft, VT-RKJ, took off from Mumbai airport. The flight is four years old, according to a report.
As per Captain Amit Singh, an aviation expert, the incident could have been caused by negligence.
“Incidents of cowl separation usually occur post maintenance activity if latches are not secured. The crew is also expected to ensure that the engine cowl is sited before commencing the flight,” Said Mumbai Airport official.