Aviation Ministry attributes rise in plane skidding to wet runway

New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) Admitting of rise in skidding of aircraft off runway in the last two years, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel today attributed it to wet runway on account of heavy rain, aqua planning (when tyre(s) loses contact with surface, making vehicle uncontrollable) and unstablised approach among other reasons.

In a written reply in Lok Sabha, he said as against no skidding incident in 2005, there were one and five such incidents in 2006 and 2007 but without any serious consequences.

He said various steps, including introduction of friction test, regular runway inspection for waterlogging, stablised approach, proper maintenance of runaway marking and lighting system, have been taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents. All airlines and airport operators were also sensitised about cautions to be taken during monsoon, he added.

Replying to another question, the Minister said there was no plan to develop Mehsana and Disha airports in Gujarat. While Mehsana belongs to the state government, Disha is controlled by the Airports Authority of India.

UNI