August 24, 2023
Introduction
A quick-thinking woman pilot averted a potential catastrophe as two Vistara Airlines flights narrowly escaped a collision at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when an Ahmedabad-Delhi Vistara flight, just landed and taxiing toward its parking bay, was on a collision course with another Vistara flight taking off from the same runway.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, disclosed that the mishap arose due to a lapse in communication from the Air Traffic Control (ATC). The landing flight, VTI926, had been instructed to cross Runway 29R en route to its designated parking bay, while simultaneously, VTI725 was granted take-off permission from the same runway.
The potential disaster was averted thanks to the quick response of Captain Sonu Gill, a 45-year-old pilot of the Ahmedabad-Delhi flight. Captain Gill promptly alerted the ATC about the presence of the departing flight, prompting the ATC to instruct VTI725 to abort its take-off.
The two planes were reportedly just 1.8 km (1,800 meters) apart when the alert pilot intervened, narrowly preventing a catastrophic collision. Had it not been for her swift actions, the outcome could have been dire for the over 300 passengers and crew members on board the two flights.
DGCA Statement revealed
In a statement released by the DGCA, it was revealed that the ATC official responsible for the miscommunication has been suspended. The incident underscores the critical nature of communication and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) at airports, especially when dealing with closely spaced runways.
Captain Amit Singh, a senior pilot and the founder of the Safety Matters Foundation, highlighted the importance of enhanced monitoring and strict compliance with protocols to prevent potential traffic collisions, particularly in scenarios involving closely spaced runways.
Passengers aboard the Delhi-Bagdogra flight experienced a moment of apprehension when the pilot announced that the take-off would be delayed due to ATC instructions. The aircraft was subsequently refueled to ensure it had ample fuel for its second take-off attempt and potential weather-related contingencies.
The incident has brought attention to the critical role of pilots and ATC personnel in ensuring the safety of air travel. As investigations continue into the exact circumstances that led to the near collision, aviation experts emphasize the need for continuous training, vigilance, and adherence to protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
In the wake of this incident, aviation authorities are expected to intensify efforts to ensure that all ATC personnel are rigorously trained to avoid such lapses in communication, thereby upholding the safety of air travel for all passengers and crew members.
