An Air India flight narrowly escaped catastrophe after one of its engines caught fire mid-air, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing. The incident, which occurred on a flight bound for Mumbai, has raised serious concerns about aviation safety protocols.
Mid-Air Emergency
Passengers aboard the flight reported hearing a loud bang followed by visible flames from the engine. "It was terrifying – we could see fire outside the window," one traveller recounted. The crew acted swiftly, shutting down the affected engine and initiating emergency procedures.
Expert Analysis
Aviation specialists suggest this incident could have been far worse. "Engine fires at altitude are among the most dangerous situations a flight crew can face," explained Captain Rohan Sharma, a veteran pilot with 25 years' experience. "The crew's quick response likely prevented a tragedy."
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the engine failure. Preliminary reports indicate possible maintenance issues, though officials stress it's too early to draw definitive conclusions.
Passenger Accounts
- "The plane shook violently before we saw flames" – Business traveller
- "Cabin crew remained remarkably calm throughout" – Tourist
- "We thought we were going down" – Frequent flyer
The aircraft, carrying 172 passengers and crew, landed safely at its destination despite the emergency. Air India has pledged full cooperation with investigators and announced immediate inspections of similar aircraft in its fleet.
