The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation after an Akasa Air and SpiceJet plane came into contact at the Delhi airport on Thursday afternoon. Both aircraft were damaged after the incident and were grounded at the airport.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the air traffic controller and pilots of SpiceJet have been suspended pending an investigation.
What did the DGCA say about the accident?
Regarding the incident, the DGCA report said, “During taxiing, the right wing of the SpiceJet aircraft came into contact with the left horizontal stabilizer of the Akasa aircraft. Both aircraft sustained damage and were grounded for inspection and rectification.”
According to initial information, the Akasa Air aircraft was moved out of shaft No. 104 and was positioned for engine start. The SpiceJet aircraft, which was holding near Hangar No. 108, was cleared by ATC to taxi to No. 106 after the pilot confirmed separation from the Akasa aircraft. During the manoeuvre, the SpiceJet aircraft performed a turn with no wingspan, resulting in contact.
“The DGCA has initiated an investigation, including looking into aspects of ground handling. Pending the investigation, the pilots of the SpiceJet aircraft and the air traffic control officer concerned have been decommissioned,” the report said.
What did Akasa Air say?
Preliminary findings indicate that the Akasa Air plane was stationary when it was struck by another airline’s plane, the carrier said in a statement, adding that it was a Boeing 737 MAX 8.
The airline said all passengers and crew were safely disembarked. “In accordance with established protocols, the relevant authorities have been informed and the matter is under investigation,” he added.
What did Spicejet say?
SpiceJet said in a statement that its Boeing 737-700 aircraft was involved in a ground incident while taxiing at Delhi airport, resulting in damage to its right wing and the left horizontal stabilizer of another aircraft belonging to another airline.
The SpiceJet plane was grounded in Delhi, she added.
Details of the number of passengers on board the two planes could not be ascertained.
