Pilots of an Air India flight operating from Mumbai to Bengaluru on Thursday announced ‘PAN PAN’ over the radio after one of its engines stopped in mid-air, officials familiar with the matter said.
The accident occurred on board Flight AI 2812, an A320 Neo, on Thursday. The flight, which was originally scheduled to take off at 2.05am, took off at around 2.15am. The plane returned to Mumbai airport at around 2.35 am.
Officials aware of the incident said that passengers reported drowning during take-off.
“As per official information available, there was an audible sound and sparks were seen during take-off. The pilot announced PAN PAN and returned to the airport a few minutes after take-off,” said an official, familiar with the incident, who requested anonymity.
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“It was later learned that its second engine had stopped,” the official added.
However, an Air India spokesperson said: “Flight AI2812 from Mumbai to Bengaluru on April 9 returned to Mumbai shortly after take-off as a precautionary measure due to a suspected technical issue, as per standard operating procedures. The aircraft landed safely and is undergoing detailed technical checks in line with Air India’s safety standards.”
But an airport official said: “A local alert was declared and the flight landed safely.”
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“We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers. Our teams at Mumbai airport provided immediate assistance and an alternative aircraft has been arranged to operate the flight. The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remains Air India’s top priority,” the spokesperson said.
According to officials, the plane, which landed safely with 47 passengers on board, was stopped.
“An alternative plane was arranged and took off at around 4.45 am,” an official said.
