DGCA begins probe into Air India tail-strike incident at Bengaluru Airport (Lead)
New Delhi, May 21
Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into a tail-strike incident involving an Air India flight at Bengaluru airport, with a DGCA official set to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine its cause.
An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail-strike incident during landing, according to the airline.
The Air India flight AI2651, with 179 people on board, was grounded after it experienced a tail strike during landing at the Bengaluru airport.
The airline said the aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally.
Following the incident, the aircraft has been grounded for a detailed inspection. Air India added that the matter will be investigated in line with established procedures.
Due to the grounding of the aircraft, the return flight AI2652 from Bengaluru to Delhi was cancelled.
The airline said alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate affected passengers at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said recently that the investigation into the crash of Air India Flight AI 171, which claimed 260 lives in Ahmedabad, is in its final stages and is likely to be completed within a month.
"The crash investigation is in the final stage and could even be completed in a month. However, the investigation is being done by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and we don't interfere in it. We are giving them all the resources they need," the minister said.
Emphasising the need for transparency in the probe, Naidu said the final report would be subject to international scrutiny as the ill-fated flight had foreign nationals onboard.
The AAIB had submitted its preliminary investigation findings to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation on July 12, 2025.
Responding to concerns raised by some families of the victims regarding a lack of communication and delays in compensation from the airline, Naidu said the ministry was closely monitoring the situation and remained in touch with Air India.
The tragic crash took place on June 12, 2025, when a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Air India flight AI 171 took off from Runway 23 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport for London Gatwick.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The tail-strike incident is scary, but at least the crew handled it professionally to land safely. However, I'm more concerned about the pending AI 171 crash report. It's been almost a year since that tragedy—families are still waiting for closure. Ministry saying "final stage" for months now is frustrating. Hope the DGCA learns from both cases. 🙏
Flying in India has improved a lot, but incidents like this remind us that vigilance is key. The tail strike could have been worse—kudos to the pilot. That said, the government dragging its feet on the AI 171 probe is unacceptable. International scrutiny will keep them honest, but families deserve more respect than vague timelines.
Tail strike during landing? That's a pilot error or maintenance issue—DGCA must find the root cause. Air India's fleet is aging, and with this merger with Vistara, I hope safety isn't compromised. On the AI 171 crash, the minister saying "don't interfere" is a good sign of independence, but the delay is painful for victims' kin. 😔
It's reassuring that the plane landed safely with 179 people on board, but the return flight cancellation shows how one incident disrupts hundreds of passengers. Hope Air India compensates affected travelers promptly. Also, the minister's mention of international scrutiny for the AI 171 report is critical—India's aviation reputation depends on it.
Guys, let's not panic. Tail strikes happen occasionally even in top airlines. The key is DGCA's thorough
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.