Dangerous Landing Mistake at Delhi Airport
In a shocking incident at Delhi airport, an Ariana Afghan Airlines aircraft mistakenly landed on the wrong runway, narrowly avoiding a potential disaster. The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon when the Airbus A310, operating Flight FG-311 from Kabul to Delhi, was cleared to land on runway 29L. However, the aircraft instead landed on runway 29R, which was exclusively being used for take-offs.
According to reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilot of the Ariana Afghan Airlines aircraft indicated that there was a failure of the instrument landing system (ILS) before landing. This failure, combined with poor visibility, caused the aircraft to deviate from its intended path. The crew realized they were on the wrong runway only after landing and vacating the runway.
At the time of the incident, an Air India flight, AI-2243, was taking off from runway 29R. Fortunately, there was no collision, but the DGCA is taking this matter seriously and has initiated an investigation. The pilot claimed that while they had received clearance from air traffic control (ATC) to land on runway 29L, they were not informed that they had veered off course.
The failure of the ILS is particularly concerning, as this system provides critical guidance to pilots during landings, especially in low-visibility conditions. Without it, pilots are required to rely on visual approaches, which can be more challenging and less reliable. The DGCA will examine the circumstances surrounding the ILS failure and the actions of the ATC.
This incident raises important questions about air traffic safety in India, where air travel is on the rise. The DGCA's investigation aims to uncover the root causes and ensure such a situation does not occur again. As air travel becomes increasingly popular, ensuring the safety of passengers should remain a top priority for aviation authorities.
In conclusion, while no harm came of this incident, it serves as a reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols in aviation. The outcome of the DGCA's investigation will be watched closely by industry experts and the flying public alike.