- An Air India flight experienced a tailstrike while landing at Bengaluru airport today
- The Airbus aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked without issues
- Flight AI2651 has been grounded for inspection and its return flight cancelled
An Air India flight reported a tailstrike incident while landing in Bengaluru airport today, officials said. The aircraft that came from Delhi landed safely and the crew and passengers disembarked normally, officials said.
A tailstrike happens when the airframe at the rear of the aircraft comes in contact with the runway during takeoff or landing. All aircraft are inspected for structural issues following a tailstrike.
Air India flight AI2651, a narrow-body Airbus A321, has been grounded for inspection following the tailstrike incident, officials said. Due to this, its return flight to Delhi has been cancelled.
The Tata-owned airline said alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate the affected passengers at the earliest. "Our ground teams in Bengaluru are providing all necessary assistance," it said, adding the incident will be investigated in accordance with established procedures and coordination with the regulatory authorities.
"Air India regrets the inconvenience caused. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority," an airline spokesperson said.
A Boeing 747 had just left when the Air India flight began its final approach for landing, sources said. The 747's engines created wind turbulence, and the Air India pilot may have realised that landing could be an issue, so the pilot decided to call a go-around as is the standard move, sources said.
