The Indian aviation regulator has set up a probe into a ground incident involving SpiceJet and Akasa Air aircraft at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, where the two planes came into contact during taxiing.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday, 16 April, the incident occurred near bay No. 106 at Terminal 1 and involved a SpiceJet B737-700 aircraft operating flight SG-124 (Leh-Delhi) and an Akasa Air B737 MAX 8 aircraft operating flight QP-1406 (Delhi-Hyderabad).
During taxiing, the right winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft struck the left horizontal stabiliser of the Akasa Air aircraft.
Both aircraft sustained damage and have since been grounded for inspection and rectification.
Initial information indicates that the Akasa Air aircraft had been pushed back from bay No. 104 and was positioned for engine start. The SpiceJet aircraft, which was holding near bay No. 108, was cleared by Air Traffic Control to taxi to bay No. 106 after the pilot confirmed adequate separation from the Akasa aircraft.
However, during the manoeuvre, the SpiceJet aircraft executed a turn without wing walker clearance, resulting in the contact, the ministry said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a detailed investigation into the incident, including examination of ground handling aspects.
Pending the inquiry, the pilots of the SpiceJet aircraft and the concerned Air Traffic Control officer have been taken off duty.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is closely monitoring the situation and is taking necessary steps to uphold safety standards and prevent recurrence of such incidents.
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