An IndiGo Airbus A320 was forced to reject takeoff at Delhi Airport after its engine failed and began emanating sparks and flames. Pilots rejected takeoff at a relatively low speed and the aircraft came to a safe stop with no injuries.
IndiGo A320 engine fire during takeoff
On the evening of October 28th, IndiGo Flight 6E2131 from Delhi Airport (DEL) to Bangalore Airport (BLR) was accelerating for takeoff on DEL’s runway 28 when the crew rejected takeoff due to engine failure. Video footage filmed by a passenger shows the right engine, an IAE V2500, issuing sparks and catching fire as the plane accelerated.
One passenger, Priyanka Kumar, gave their side of the story, telling NDTV,
“The flight would have taken off in five to seven seconds. Suddenly, I saw massive sparks coming off the wings, and it turned into a major fire. And the plane was stopped immediately. The pilot informed us there was some malfunction with the engine. There was a panic initially, but the crew made us feel comfortable. Gave us water. There were a lot of elderly people and kids around… everybody is safe, there was no jerk-stopping.”
Having reached a ground speed of approximately 45 knots, the aircraft was able to stop safely and taxi to the apron. Fortunately, none of the 184 passengers or crew onboard the plane suffered any injuries.
Photo: Getty Images
A replacement Airbus A320 (VT-IJW) was called on to carry out the flight at a delay of around three hours. IndiGo subsequently released a statement on the incident, attributing it to an engine stall. The airline said,
“An aircraft operating flight 6E2131 from Delhi to Bangalore experienced an engine stall during take-off roll. The take-off was aborted and the aircraft safely returned to the bay. All passengers are being accommodated on an alternate aircraft. We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers.”
Investigation pending
In the aftermath of the incident, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced it will conduct a detailed probe into how the aircraft’s engine caught fire.
As reported by The Hindu, DGCA head Arun Kumar told PTI,
“The priority is to carry out a detailed investigation of the incident and ascertain the reasons for the fire in the engine. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished swiftly and the aircraft is now grounded. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will do a detailed study to check whether there have been any such incidents pertaining to these engines before. After the investigation, suitable follow-up action will be taken.”
A DGCA official is reported to have added that a loud bang was heard during takeoff and an onboard fire extinguisher was used. Local fire services also arrived on the scene.
About VT-IFM
The affected aircraft (VT-IFM) is a nine-year-old Airbus A320-200 that has spent its entire service life flying under IndiGo after arriving in April 2013. The plane is configured in an all-economy layout with capacity for 180 passengers.
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The A320 is powered by two IAE V2500 engines and remains grounded in Delhi at the time of publication.
Have you ever been involved in a similar incident like this? Let us know your stories in the comments.
Source: The Hindu, NDTV
Source: simpleflying.com
