A Troubling Lapse: Air India Pilot’s Failure to Report Runway Excursion Sparks Safety Concerns

In a concerning incident that has cast a spotlight on Air India Safety protocols, an Air India flight from Cochin to Mumbai unexpectedly veered off the runway during landing in heavy rain, only for the pilot to allegedly fail to report the event to Air Traffic Control (ATC). The incident, involving Air India flight 2744, has prompted a swift investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and raised critical questions about aviation safety culture, particularly concerning reporting mechanisms.

The Alarming Details of the Air India Safety Incident

• Unexpected Deviation: On a rainy morning at 9:27 AM, Air India flight 2744, an Airbus A320, landed in Mumbai amidst heavy rainfall. Upon touchdown, the aircraft skidded right off the runway, traversing a grassy area and even crossing a taxiway before returning to the main runway.
• Significant Damage: The excursion resulted in considerable damage. Runway edge lights and taxiway lights were broken, and the aircraft itself sustained damage to its engine and wings, with three tires bursting upon impact.
• Unreported Incident: Shockingly, the pilot in command did not report the incident to ATC, proceeding to park the aircraft as if no event had occurred. This omission is a central point of concern for Air India Safety.
• ATC’s Vigilance: ATC, suspecting an anomaly, dispatched a “Follow Me” jeep for a runway inspection. While the initial inspection was inconclusive, a subsequent check by another “Follow Me” vehicle uncovered broken lights and engine parts, confirming the severity of the unreported incident.
• Runway Closure and Investigation: The discovery led to the runway’s closure for 2.5 hours, causing significant disruption. The DGCA was immediately notified and has since launched a comprehensive investigation, grounding both pilots involved.
• Experienced Pilot’s Role: Adding to the gravity of the situation, the captain of the flight was reportedly an examiner on the Airbus A320, an individual expected to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety. Their grounding underscores the seriousness with which this lapse in Air India Safety is being treated.

Understanding Runway Excursions in Monsoon Conditions for Air India Safety

Runway excursions, particularly during the monsoon season, are a known challenge in aviation. Several factors contribute to these incidents, demanding heightened awareness and adherence to established protocols for robust Air India Safety.

• Landing Techniques: While pilots often aim for a “nose-up” maneuver for a smooth landing, this can limit lateral control. In monsoon conditions, a “firm landing” is recommended by manufacturers to ensure proper tire contact and prevent hydroplaning, even if it feels less smooth to passengers. Smooth landings, especially with tailwinds, can lead to overshooting the touchdown zone.
• Monsoon’s Unpredictability: Unpredictable wind gusts are common during the monsoon season and can easily push an aircraft off the centerline if a pilot is not acutely vigilant.
• Severity of Deviation: In this particular incident, the aircraft veered a significant 16-17 meters off the runway, a considerable deviation given a typical runway width of approximately 30 meters. It reportedly went onto the November 1 taxiway before returning to the main runway.
• Contaminated Runways: A runway is deemed “contaminated” when rainwater accumulates to 3mm or more, often leading to policies against operations under such conditions. While the runway was reportedly not contaminated during this landing, the impact of water on braking effectiveness remains a critical factor.
• Braking Systems: Aircraft rely on wheel brakes, thrust reversers, and spoilers for braking. In wet conditions, the effectiveness of normal wheel brakes can be reduced.
• Hydroplaning Risk: Hydroplaning (aquaplaning) occurs when a layer of water forms between the tires and the runway surface, causing the tires to skid and significantly reducing braking and steering control. Firm landings are a key preventative measure.
• Reduced Visibility: Heavy rain severely impairs visibility, making it challenging for pilots to accurately judge depth and potentially leading to higher or prolonged flares during landing.
• Rubber Deposits: Accumulated rubber from previous tire touchdowns in the landing zone can make the runway especially slippery when wet. While Mumbai airport is known for regular cleaning, heavy monsoons can still exacerbate this factor.

The Paramount Importance of Reporting for Enhanced Air India Safety

The most disturbing aspect of this incident is the pilot’s alleged failure to report. This raises profound questions about the prevailing safety culture within Air India and the broader aviation industry.

• Preventing Further Hazards: Reporting incidents, even seemingly minor ones, is crucial for safety. Debris left on the runway from an unreported incident could cause severe damage, such as tire bursts, to subsequent landing aircraft, especially in adverse weather conditions.
• Learning and Improvement: A robust safety culture prioritizes learning from incidents over punitive action. When pilots fear reprisal, they are less likely to report, hindering the airline’s ability to identify systemic issues and implement necessary improvements to Air India Safety protocols.
• Non-Punitive Reporting Advocated: Aviation experts consistently advocate for a non-punitive reporting culture. In such environments, reporting is encouraged and even rewarded, fostering transparency and ultimately leading to a safer flying environment for everyone. The pilot’s claim of not knowing the aircraft went off the runway has been widely questioned by experts.
• Personal Minima and Decision-Making: Pilots often maintain “personal minima” – conditions under which they are comfortable operating, which may be stricter than official aircraft or company limits. This individual judgment, combined with a strong reporting culture, contributes significantly to overall flight safety.

The DGCA’s ongoing investigation will be critical in determining the exact sequence of events and the root causes behind this troubling lapse in reporting. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the continuous need for vigilance, adherence to safety protocols, and a culture that champions transparency and reporting for the unwavering commitment to Air India Safety.