Air India Express Flight Crashes at Calicut Airport
August 7th, 2020
August 7th, 2020
How Long Ago?
4 years, 7 months, 7 days ago
Location
Calicut, Kerala, India
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
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Air India Express Flight Crashes at Calicut Airport
Air India Express Flight 1344, repatriating passengers from Dubai, overshot the runway during landing at Calicut International Airport in Kerala. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, skidded off the wet runway, breaking into two pieces, resulting in the deaths of 21 individuals among the 190 people on board. Heavy rain and the airport's tabletop runway were contributing factors to the crash.
Flight was part of Vande Bharat Mission.
Boeing 737-800 overshot the wet runway.
21 fatalities among 190 passengers and crew.
Increased scrutiny on airport safety protocols.
What Happened?
Air India Express Flight 1344 was operating under the Vande Bharat Mission, which aimed to repatriate Indian citizens from abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The flight, traveling from Dubai to Calicut International Airport, was carrying a mix of Indian expatriates and crew. As the aircraft approached the airport, it encountered challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and poor visibility. Calicut is known for its tabletop runway, which is shorter and has unique operational challenges compared to standard runways.
Upon landing, the Boeing 737-800, experienced difficulties and overshot the wet runway, ultimately breaking apart as it skidded down the slope. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, but despite their efforts, 21 individuals lost their lives, and many others sustained injuries. The crash raised questions about the safety measures in place at Calicut International Airport, as well as the appropriateness of operating flights during adverse weather conditions.
Investigations into the incident revealed not only operational challenges faced by the flight crew but also highlighted the complexities of managing air traffic and ensuring safety in marginal conditions. The crash sparked a wider discussion on air safety regulations and practices in India, particularly in light of the unique challenges posed by certain airports. This incident remained one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India in recent times.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of Air India Express Flight 1344 highlighted significant safety concerns regarding tabletop runways and adverse weather conditions affecting flight operations. It led to increased scrutiny of airport safety protocols and emergency response readiness in India, reshaping regulatory approaches to aviation safety. The incident remains a crucial example for discussions on runway safety.
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