IndiGo A321 Tail Strike Incident in Mumbai

An IndiGo A321 aircraft, en route from Bangkok, encountered a tail strike during its landing in Mumbai amidst heavy rains early Saturday morning. The incident occurred during a go-around maneuver, highlighting the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions.

Details of the Incident

Flight 6E1060, departing Bangkok at 11.40 pm, was attempting to land on runway 27 of Mumbai airport around 3 am when the pilots decided to abort the landing due to unfavorable conditions. The tail strike happened during the subsequent go-around. IndiGo has assured that the aircraft will undergo necessary checks and repairs before returning to service, emphasizing their commitment to safety.

Regulatory Response and Previous Incidents

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident. This event marks another in a series of tail strikes involving IndiGo's A321 aircraft, prompting scrutiny over training and engineering procedures. The A321, being a longer variant of the A320, presents unique operational challenges.

Concerns have been raised regarding the airline's failure to immediately inform the Mumbai air traffic control about the tail strike, a critical step for ensuring runway safety. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and transparent communication in aviation operations.