MUMBAI-DURGAPUR FLIGHT UPDATE: Several passengers were wounded Sunday evening when SpiceJet aircraft SG 945 from Mumbai to Durgapur in West Bengal encountered severe mid-air turbulence as it descended due to a storm. The airplane ultimately made a safe landing at its intended location.Â
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has now removed the crew from the Mumbai-Durgapur SpiceJet flight and grounded the aircraft in Kolkata, a Boeing 737-800.Â
Apart from the flight crew, the civil aviation regulator suspended the aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) who released the aircraft and the SpiceJet employee in charge of the Maintenance Control Center pending an inquiry.Â
Immediately following the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation launched an investigation. The investigation is ongoing. According to the DGCA’s first assessment, the mishap wounded 14 passengers and three crew members.
According to the report, they experienced injuries to their head, back, shoulder, forehead, and face. Three people are currently hospitalized. Two of the three are being treated in the intensive care unit at Durgapur following head and spinal injuries, respectively.Â
SpiceJet had stated that 11 people were hurt. 195 passengers and six staff members, including two pilots, were on board. According to the DGCA’s original report, which India Today obtained, “the aircraft departed Mumbai at about 1713 IST.”
The aircraft encountered considerable turbulence during descent, with a vertical load factor ranging between +2.64G and -1.36G. During this time period, the autopilot was off for two minutes and the crew piloted the aircraft manually.”Â
According to the DGCA, the airplane’s crew reported to Durgapur ATC (Air Traffic Control) that a few passengers were hurt during the trip and asked for medical help upon landing. Â One of the passengers told India Today, “Three jerks occurred upon landing.
It felt precisely the same as when automobiles collide with bumpers. We were all wearing seat belts. The belts ripped apart upon collision. We shook in our seats.” According to passengers’ testimony, luggage dropped from the overhead bins and smacked persons in the head.Â
Earlier on Monday, a SpiceJet spokeswoman stated, “When the aircraft encountered turbulence, the seat belt sign was activated.” The pilots and crew issued many statements advising passengers to remain seated and tighten their safety belts.”Â
“Upon landing in Durgapur, immediate medical aid was offered. SpiceJet wishes to offer its condolences for this tragic tragedy. The issue happened as a result of air turbulence caused by a storm “SpiceJet confirmed.
Edited By: Khushi Thakur
Published By: Shubham Ghulaxe
Â