SpiceJet aircraft overshoots wet runway, gets stuck in mud
All the chutes of the aircraft had to be deployed for 183 passengers, who were all declared to be safe
Tuesday’s rainfall not only led to delay in flight operations but also led to an incident at the runway on Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. A SpiceJet aircraft overshot the wet main runway while landing around 10pm and then got stuck in mud leading to suspension of flight operations.
All the chutes of the aircraft had to be deployed for 183 passengers who were all declared to be safe. Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (MIAL) officials said no fire and smoke was seen. The flight was coming from Varanasi. SpiceJet spokesperson said, “During landing, the aircraft (Boeing 739) overshot the runway and skidded off into the unpaved surface due to wet runway conditions caused due to heavy rains. All passengers deplaned safely and were taken to the arrival hall.”
Post this incident, a notice to airmen stated that the main runway 09-27 would remain unavailable till 10.30am on Wednesday but MIAL spokesperson said when the runway will be operational depends on rains. Though the secondary runway 14-32 too remained non-operational owing to winds till the time of going to press. Flights were hence diverted to Goa, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
“Central Industrial Security Force’s Quick Reaction Team (QRT) along with MIAL fire team carried out the rescue operation,” said a senior airport official.
Rains led to flight operations being shut for half an hour around 7pm. Operations again had to be suspended post the SpiceJet incident and remained to be suspended.
Jet Airways said all operations at Mumbai airport had been temporarily suspended and their flights to and from Mumbai were affected. Mumbai airport handles more around 48 operations per hour.
Four flights were diverted and 10 had to go around. “Coaches were deployed for airside transfer of passengers from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. Seating arrangement and discounted rates for food were arranged for stranded passengers at terminals,” said MIAL spokesperson.