DGCA Orders Probe into Aircraft Engine Part Found Outside Delhi Airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into an incident involving an aircraft engine part discovered outside Delhi airport, sources revealed on Wednesday. The metal piece is suspected to belong to an Air India Express aircraft that made an emergency landing on Monday. However, the airline has not yet confirmed if the parts are from its plane.

According to a source, the part found might be a broken blade from an aircraft engine. An Air India Express spokesperson stated that flight IX 145 experienced engine trouble shortly after departing from Delhi on September 2. The flight, which was headed to Bahrain, made a precautionary landing at Delhi airport following established procedures.

Investigation Underway

The spokesperson further mentioned that the incident has been reported to the DGCA and other relevant agencies. "We are aware of reports of metal pieces being found at Shankar Vihar. At this time, we cannot confirm if these metal pieces are from our aircraft. The investigation is ongoing to establish the facts," the spokesperson added.

Delhi Police received a call from Shivani Pathak, a resident of Vasant Vihar, who reported that metal pieces had fallen from an aircraft onto her house. Pathak, who is also a captain in the Indian Army, showed a small black-coloured metal piece to the police upon their arrival.

Police Involvement

A police officer indicated that a technical team would determine whether the metal pieces belonged to the same aircraft. "Since the matter pertains to the airport authority, a case has been filed," the officer said, adding that an investigation is ongoing.

The DGCA's probe aims to ascertain the origin of the metal part and ensure aviation safety protocols are followed. This incident highlights the importance of stringent checks and maintenance in aviation operations.

As investigations proceed, authorities will work to confirm whether the metal pieces indeed came from the Air India Express flight or another source. The findings will be crucial for understanding what went wrong and preventing future occurrences.

This event underscores the need for continuous vigilance in aviation safety and thorough investigations when anomalies occur. The outcome of this probe will likely lead to recommendations for enhancing safety measures in aircraft operations.

The DGCA's swift action in ordering an investigation reflects its commitment to maintaining high safety standards in Indian aviation. Ensuring passenger and crew safety remains a top priority for regulatory bodies and airlines alike.