Pune News – In a concerning turn of events, an Air India flight bound from Pune to Delhi found itself in the midst of a major accident on Thursday, as it was struck by a ‘push back tug’ (tractor) at the Pune airport. With the gravity of the situation apparent, a specialized team comprising three members from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) swiftly arrived at Pune airport from Delhi the following morning to commence a thorough investigation into the incident.
Upon their arrival, the DGCA team wasted no time in meticulously inspecting the accident site, carefully scrutinizing every detail to piece together the sequence of events that led to the unfortunate collision. Additionally, they engaged in comprehensive discussions with pertinent staff and officials, aiming to gather crucial insights that would shed light on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Remarkably, this incident marks the second serious mishap to occur at Pune airport within the span of a week, prompting heightened concerns regarding safety protocols and operational procedures. In response, the DGCA has initiated simultaneous investigations into both incidents, underscoring the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of air travel.
The aftermath of Thursday’s accident has left the involved aircraft significantly damaged, rendering it unsuitable for immediate passenger service. Consequently, the aircraft will remain stationed on the airport’s taxi tract until extensive repairs can be carried out, incurring substantial financial losses for Air India in the process.
Central to the investigation is the scrutiny of ground staff operations, aimed at uncovering the root cause of the mishap and holding accountable those responsible for the lapse in protocol. Every effort is being made to meticulously document the findings, which will be compiled into a comprehensive report and submitted to the DGCA for further evaluation and action.
Santosh Dhoke, the Director of Pune Airport, has underscored the severity of the accident and the unwavering commitment of the airport authorities to implementing robust safety measures to prevent recurrence. In light of recent events, all airport personnel and airline operators have been reminded to adhere strictly to established safety protocols, with stringent measures poised to be enforced against any deviations or oversights.
