IndiGo's Patna-Delhi flight take-off aborted, passengers safe

IndiGo on Friday said that all 174 passengers on-board its Patna-New Delhi flight were safe as a "precautionary" evacuation was carried out after the budget passenger carrier's aircraft rejected its take-off and smoke was observed in the cabin.

According to the airline, its flight 6E-508 (Patna-Delhi) was involved in a "low speed reject" due to suspected engine stall.

The rejected take-off is a manoeuvre performed by the flight commander to discontinue take-off after the engines thrust has been initiated and the aircraft starts rolling for the take-off.

"As smoke was observed in the cabin by the crew, captain elected to evacuate due to precautionary reasons," the airline said in a statement.

"All SOPs (standard operating procedures) were carried out efficiently. Evacuation was completed in 60 seconds. There was no tyre burst or engine fire. Matter has been reported to DGCA proactively. An internal inquiry has also been initiated."

The airline said that there was "no technical snag" reported when the aircraft arrived at Patna.

"We will be operating a ferry flight from Delhi to Patna to pick up stranded passengers," the airline added.

--IANS

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