Air Deccan aircraft lands off runway, passengers safe

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Bangalore, Mar 11 (UNI) An ATR aircraft of low cost airline Air Deccan, with 44 people including four crew members on board, had a bumpy landing on arrival from Coimbatore here this morning.

The five-month-old aircraft ATR 72-500, which took off from Coimbatore airport, went a few yards off the runway on landing, probably due to a landing gear problem or a tyre burst.

Addressing newsmen at the airport, Air Deccan's Chief Operating Officer Warwick Brady said all the passengers were immediately evacuated and were safe.

Replying to queries, he said a thorough investigation was on into the mishap. Noting the plane's Captain Roger Zibr was well experienced and had done over 8380 hours of the total 12300 hours on ATR alone, he denied that the crew members were inexperienced in handling the situation and said all the crew members were well versed with safety training measures.

The pilot shut down the engine soon after the mishap, he said in response to a query, adding that there was no substantial damage to the aircraft.

Answering another question, he said Air Deccan had 18 ATRs on its fleet of service and six more would be added during this year.

Consequent to the incident, the schedule of flights operating out of the city airport was affected for some time.

UNI SR MSP VD KN1459

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