What happened with the Air India Express in Karela?

The Fateful Day of the Crash

On a rainy day in August 2020, Air India Express Flight 1344 met with an unfortunate accident in Kozhikode, Kerala. The Boeing 737, embarking on a repatriation flight from Dubai to India under the Vande Bharat Mission, skidded off the runway upon landing, leading to a fatal crash. The incident resulted in the loss of 21 lives, including the two pilots, and left several others injured. The incident was a massive shock for the entire country and put a spotlight on the safety measures in place at India's airports.

What Caused the Air India Express Crash?

The investigations into the crash revealed a combination of adverse weather conditions and human error. The flight, carrying 190 passengers, attempted to land on runway 10 at Kozhikode airport amidst heavy rain. The tabletop runway, which is surrounded by deep gorges, proved to be challenging for the pilot who apparently misjudged the landing. The plane overshot the runway, fell into a gorge, and broke into two pieces upon impact.

The Aftermath of the Crash

The crash of the Air India Express flight in Kerala triggered panic and grief, not just among the families of the victims, but across the country. The incident was a stark reminder of the Mangalore air crash in 2010, which was eerily similar in terms of circumstances. Rescue operations were immediately launched by the airport authorities, local residents, and emergency services.

The Role of the Local Community

Despite the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, the local community came forward to aid in the rescue operations. Their quick response and relentless efforts helped in saving many lives. They worked hand in hand with the officials to evacuate the injured from the wreckage and rush them to local hospitals.

Investigations and Findings

Post the crash, several investigations were launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The black box and the cockpit voice recorder were recovered, providing vital clues about the final moments before the crash. The preliminary report suggested that the pilots couldn't sight the runway until the very last minute due to the heavy rainfall. It also indicated that the aircraft was at a higher speed than recommended while landing.

Lessons Learned and Measures Taken

The crash served as a wake-up call for the aviation industry in India. It highlighted the need for more stringent safety measures, especially during adverse weather conditions. Measures such as regular audits of the airports, stricter adherence to landing protocols, better training for pilots, and installation of advanced navigation aids were discussed. The government also announced compensation for the victims and their families.

The Impact on Air India Express

The crash had a significant impact on Air India Express. The airline faced scrutiny over its safety protocols and training of pilots. However, it assured that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The airline also extended its full support to the victims' families and promised to cooperate with the investigations. Despite the tragedy, Air India Express continues to operate, striving to provide safe and reliable services to its passengers.