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1. Flight Details and Destination
- The Air India Express flight, identified as IX 613, was traveling from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) to Sharjah on October 11, 2024.
- It carried 140 passengers on board.
2. Technical Issue: Hydraulic Failure
- Shortly after takeoff, the flight experienced a hydraulic failure, which is a malfunction in the system that controls critical functions like the landing gear, brakes, and flaps.
- This posed a serious risk, as these components are essential for safe landing and in-flight maneuveringIndia Today.
3. Pilot’s Quick Response
- The pilot immediately informed Trichy air traffic control about the issue and began to circle the area, preparing for an emergency landing.
- The airport was put on high alert with emergency services, including ambulances and fire engines, prepared for a possible belly landing (a landing without the landing gear deployed)India TodayHindustan Times.
4. No Fuel Dumping Needed
- Initially, there was a plan to dump fuel (a common safety measure to reduce the plane’s weight before an emergency landing), but this was not executed as the flight was circling over residential areasIndia Today.
5. Landing: A Smooth Outcome
- Fortunately, despite the hydraulic failure, the landing gear deployed successfully, allowing the plane to land normally without further complications.
- As the plane touched down, passengers cheered, and the situation was brought under controlIndia Today
6. Emergency Preparedness
- The airport had prepped for the worst, with rescue teams, fire engines, and ambulances on standby, showing how well-coordinated emergency responses can prevent disasterHindustan Times.
7. Praise for the Crew
- Both the pilot and cabin crew were lauded for their calm and professional handling of the emergency.
- Even Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin publicly praised their efforts and the quick actions of the emergency services, ensuring the safety of all passengersHindustan TimesIndia Today.
8. No Injuries or Casualties
- Thankfully, the entire event ended without any injuries or casualties, with all 140 passengers safely evacuated from the aircraftIndia Today.
How the situation was managed
1. Immediate Identification of the Problem
- Shortly after takeoff, the pilot detected a hydraulic failure, which is a critical issue in aircraft operations. The hydraulic system controls vital functions such as landing gear, brakes, and flight control surfaces.
2. Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC)
- The pilot immediately alerted air traffic control (ATC) about the malfunction, explaining the nature of the emergency and requesting permission to return for an emergency landing.
3. Decision to Circle and Burn Fuel
- Before attempting a landing, the pilot made the decision to circle over the airport to burn off excess fuel, which is a standard safety procedure to reduce the plane’s weight and minimize the risk of fire during landing.
4. Prepared for Worst-Case Scenario
- Initially, the pilot prepared for a possible belly landing (landing without using landing gear), as the hydraulic failure could have prevented the landing gear from deploying. This was communicated to ground control, and emergency services were prepared for such a scenarioIndia TodayHindustan Times.
5. Calm, Step-by-Step Execution
- Throughout the process, the pilot remained calm and followed procedures step by step. The landing gear eventually deployed, reducing the need for a belly landing. The pilot brought the plane in for a safe landing with no injuries reportedHindustan Times.
6. Post-Landing Response
- After landing, the pilot ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft. Emergency crews were on standby, but their intervention was not needed due to the successful handling of the situation.
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