Air India Express AXB613 Incident: Full Breakdown
A. Flight Overview
- Flight Number: AXB613 (Air India Express)
- Route: Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) to Sharjah (SHJ)
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-800
- Scheduled Departure: 17:40 IST
- Scheduled Arrival: 20:30 GST
- Passengers on Board: 141 passengers + crew
B. The Incident
Shortly after takeoff, Flight AXB613 reported a hydraulic failure, which affected the front landing gear, preventing it from retracting. This is a serious issue as the retracted landing gear reduces drag and ensures optimal flight performance. The malfunction was reported by the pilots, and they immediately initiated standard emergency procedures, contacting Air Traffic Control (ATC) to inform them of the situation.
C. Emergency Response and Holding Pattern
After reporting the issue, the aircraft entered a holding pattern at 4,000 feet near Tiruchirappalli to troubleshoot the problem. During this time, the aircraft circled for over two and a half hours to burn off fuel to reduce its weight for a safe landing. It is important to note that the Boeing 737-800 does not have a fuel dumping mechanism, so circling was necessary.
D. Emergency Preparations at the Airport
The airport went into high-alert mode. Emergency services, including fire trucks, ambulances, and rescue teams, were deployed along the runway. The airport director, Gopalakrishnan, confirmed that all safety protocols were in place, and personnel were prepared for any potential emergency
.E. Descent and Safe Landing
After burning off fuel, the crew executed a cautious descent. The aircraft successfully landed at 8:15 PM IST, two and a half hours after its scheduled time. Emergency services were not needed as the landing was smooth, and all 141 passengers on board were unharmed.
F. Passenger Experience
Many passengers were unaware of the full scope of the emergency during the flight. While they noticed the prolonged circling, the crew likely provided periodic updates, mentioning a "technical issue" to avoid panic. The smooth landing ensured the passengers disembarked calmly, with some expressing gratitude for the professional handling of the situation.
G. Post-Landing Investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the hydraulic failure to determine the root cause. The aircraft was grounded for a detailed inspection and repairs. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu praised the quick and effective response from the emergency teams and the professionalism of the crew
.H. Crew Information
The Captain and First Officer of the flight played a crucial role in the safe handling of the incident. Pilots Fahmi Zainal, Maitryee Shrikrishna officially released in public reports, they were commended for their calm and methodical approach, ensuring the safety of everyone on board. Pilots undergo rigorous training for such emergencies, and their expertise was evident in how they handled the situation.
I. Impact on Future Flights
The next scheduled flight for the aircraft was delayed pending inspection and repairs. Air India Express provided updates to affected passengers and worked to minimize any disruptions by arranging replacement flights where needed. There were no significant disruptions to other scheduled flights from Tiruchirappalli.
J. Public and Official Response
The swift and coordinated efforts of the crew and emergency services were widely praised. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin issued a public statement thanking the crew and airport staff for their efforts. He also instructed the District Collector to provide additional assistance to the passengers post-landing
.K. Conclusion
The AXB613 incident serves as an example of how well-trained crews and well-prepared emergency protocols can avert potential disaster. The safe landing amidst a landing gear malfunction underscores the importance of adhering to aviation safety standards and procedures.