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Air India Express engine emits smoke in muscat; flyers evacuated
The Air India Express flight IX 442 operating from Muscat to Cochin experienced smoke and fire from its engine number 2 during taxi for take-off.
Over 140 passengers and the flight crew had to be evacuated from an Air India Express aircraft on Wednesday after smoke was spotted emanating from one of the engines while it was taxiing towards the runway at Muscat airport to depart for Cochin, the airline’s spokesperson said.
According to the airline, there were 141 passengers and four infants onboard the aircraft along with six crew members. The incident took place at around 11:20 am (local time).
“There are no major injuries reported, except minor bruises to some passengers while evacuating,” the spokesperson said.
Aviation regulator directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) has ordered a probe into the incident.
“Air India Express’ Muscat to Kochi flight IX 442, with 141 passengers on board, was preparing to depart from Muscat at 1120 Hrs (local time) and while it was on the taxiway, another aircraft reported observing fumes from one of the engines,” the spokesperson said.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, was stopped on the taxiway and precautions were taken according to standard operating protocol (SOPs), said the spokesperson. “There was no fire warning indication in the cockpit. As a matter of abundant precaution and following the prescribed SOPs, the crew stopped on the taxiway and activated the onboard engine fire extinguishers.”
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Oman in a statement said “Before the aircraft took off, the aircraft was hit by a failure and a fire in one of its engines, which required an immediate evacuation of passengers. Some light injuries result in passengers during this accident.”
“A relief flight has been arranged to bring back the guests from Muscat later on Wednesday evening”, the official said.
DGCA director general, Arun Kumar, said, “We will be investigating and taking appropriate action.”
“The matter is being investigated by the regulatory authorities and also the Airline’s Flight Safety Department,” the airline spokesperson said.
The relief flight is expected to land Oman at around 10.50pm IST.
