BENGALURU— An IndiGo (6E) flight from Guwahati (GAU) to Bengaluru (BLR) suffered a tail strike during its second landing attempt at Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday, September 27.
The Airbus A321 completed the landing safely after the aircraft encountered abnormal runway contact amid gusty weather conditions.
The incident involved IndiGo flight 6E 6542, which had conducted a go-around during its initial approach to Bengaluru.
During the subsequent approach, the aircraft’s tail contacted the runway before it completed a safe landing, allowing passengers and crew to leave the aircraft without reported injuries.
Second Landing Attempt After Go-Around
Flight 6E 6542 was approaching Bengaluru after operating from Guwahati when the crew discontinued the first landing attempt. The aircraft then climbed as part of the go-around procedure before returning for another approach to Kempegowda International Airport.
During the second landing sequence, the aircraft experienced the tail strike. Reports said the A321 nevertheless completed the landing, after which passengers and crew safely disembarked from the aircraft.
IndiGo described the occurrence as an “abnormal runway contact” and said it happened while the aircraft was landing in gusty weather.
The airline confirmed that all customers and crew members were safe and that the relevant authorities had been informed according to standard procedures.
Aircraft Grounded for Maintenance Checks
Following the incident, IndiGo took the aircraft out of service for detailed maintenance checks. The airline said the Airbus A321 will return to operations only after completing the required inspections and receiving the necessary clearances.
The move allows maintenance teams and authorities to assess the aircraft following the runway contact before it is cleared for another commercial flight. The extent of any damage has not been publicly detailed by the airline.
Airport sources also indicated that the incident did not disrupt normal operations at Kempegowda International Airport. An alternate aircraft was reportedly arranged for the aircraft’s subsequent Bengaluru-Coimbatore service, helping prevent wider disruption to the schedule.
DGCA Investigation Into Tail Strike Incident
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the two landing approaches and the tail contact with the runway.
The investigation comes as the A321 has been involved in other tail-strike incidents at Indian airports, The Hindu Business Line reported.
Recent reporting has also noted increased attention to pilot training related to tail-strike prevention, while safety authorities continue to examine the operational factors involved in such occurrences.
For the latest Bengaluru incident, however, the available information does not establish a definitive cause beyond the airline’s statement that the aircraft experienced abnormal runway contact during gusty weather.
Further findings from the DGCA investigation and maintenance inspection are expected to provide more details about the circumstances surrounding the event.
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