Tow Truck Scrap Air India Plane Just Before Takeoff at Pune Airport: Report

Photo : PTI

Air India Flight Collides with Tug Truck at Pune Airport; All Passengers Safe An Air India flight bound for Delhi encountered an unexpected collision with a tug truck while taxiing towards the runway at Pune Airport yesterday. The aircraft was carrying approximately 180 passengers at the time of the incident. 

The collision resulted in damage to the aircraft's nose and a tyre near the landing gear. Despite the collision, all passengers and crew members on board were reported to be safe. An airport official told ANI, "The aircraft, carrying around 180 passengers, suffered damage to its nose and a tyre near the landing gear. Despite the collision, all passengers and crew on board are reported to be safe."

Emergency protocols were swiftly enacted to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Airport officials confirmed that the passengers were immediately deplaned, and arrangements were made for an alternative flight to Delhi. 

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"The passengers were immediately deplaned and arrangements were made for an alternative flight to Delhi," an airport official stated.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports suggest that the tug truck, used for maneuvering the aircraft on the ground, struck the plane during the taxiing process. The DGCA's investigation will focus on operational protocols and possible lapses that led to the incident.

Airport operations continued without significant disruption. However, the affected aircraft was taken out of service for a detailed inspection and repairs. After a brief period, the aircraft is now ready for operations.

Air India issued a statement regarding the incident, stating, "There was an incident related to one of our aircraft, which was to operate from Pune to Delhi, at the time of its pushback. The aircraft was held back for checks, all passengers were offloaded safely, and the flight was cancelled. Passengers were eventually refunded their full fares and offered complimentary rescheduling. Those with onward international connections were flown to Delhi by other carriers. An investigation into the incident has already been initiated."

Further updates are expected as the investigation by the DGCA progresses.