Delhi: Suspected Air India Aircraft Engine Debris Discovered at Shankar Vihar

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation following the discovery of an aircraft engine part outside Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The metal fragment is believed to be from an Air India Express flight that recently made an emergency landing, though the airline has not yet confirmed its connection to the incident.

Incident Overview

Air India Express flight IX 145, which was en route to Bahrain, encountered an engine issue shortly after departing from Delhi on September 2. The aircraft had to make an emergency landing at the airport in accordance with standard safety protocols.

The DGCA is currently investigating the situation, with a focus on determining whether the metal part found near the airport came from the aircraft. Sources suggest that the fragment could be from a broken engine blade, but this remains under verification.

Air India Express Responds

A spokesperson for Air India Express confirmed that the flight experienced an engine problem but emphasized that the situation was handled as per standard procedures, leading to a precautionary landing in Delhi.

“We are aware of reports regarding metal pieces being found near Shankar Vihar, but we cannot confirm if these belong to our aircraft at this time,” the spokesperson added.

Delhi Police Involvement

The Delhi Police became involved when Shivani Pathak, a resident of Vasant Vihar and a captain in the Indian Army, reported that metal fragments had fallen onto her property. Upon arriving at the scene, police officers were handed a small black metal piece by Pathak, who said she observed an aircraft flying overhead before the object fell.

The DGCA, in coordination with technical experts and the airport authority, will examine the metal fragments to determine if they are related to the Air India Express flight. A case has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing.

The incident raises safety concerns, and both the DGCA and Air India Express are working to ascertain the cause of the engine malfunction and the source of the debris. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.