Chennai Cargo Plane Halts Takeoff After Engine Snag, Flight Delayed
A Cathay Pacific cargo aircraft headed for Hong Kong was forced to abort takeoff at Chennai airport after a technical snag triggered an emergency stop on the runway late last night. The freighter, carrying nearly 100 tonnes of cargo and five crew members, experienced an engine issue during takeoff roll from Bay 8. Thanks to swift action by the pilot, the aircraft was brought to a safe halt, preventing a potential runway incident.
The incident unfolded when the freighter began its takeoff from Chennai’s older terminal area. Shortly into the takeoff roll, a sudden engine malfunction was detected, prompting the pilot to abort the manoeuvre immediately. The aircraft was safely brought to a halt on the runway, and emergency response protocols were initiated. Airport authorities swiftly cleared the area, and the aircraft was towed back to Bay 8 for technical assessment. Engineers onboard quickly began diagnostic checks and repair work on the affected engine. Within two hours, the issue was rectified, and the aircraft was deemed airworthy. The cargo freighter eventually departed for Hong Kong with all five crew members and the full load of commercial cargo, albeit two hours behind schedule. Experts have credited the crew’s rapid assessment and controlled response for averting a critical situation, noting that the quick decision-making prevented any risk to life or infrastructure on the runway.
Emergency stops on runways are rare but critical interventions, especially in the case of heavy freighters that carry substantial payloads and fuel. The Chennai incident underscores the importance of pilot training and operational safety procedures in averting airborne or runway catastrophes. The aircraft’s engine failure did not result in fire, smoke, or loss of directional control—factors that could have escalated the situation. Authorities have since ordered a detailed technical investigation to understand the nature of the fault and prevent future occurrences. Senior airport officials noted that runways were cleared promptly and normal flight operations resumed without extended delays to other scheduled flights. The event has also brought renewed focus on the readiness of emergency response infrastructure, which ensured swift towing, technical intervention, and incident documentation. Industry analysts have pointed out that such incidents, though safely managed, highlight the need for continuous oversight in air cargo operations given the growing volume of freight movement through Chennai.
The aborted takeoff of the Cathay Pacific cargo freighter at Chennai airport serves as a timely reminder of the high-stakes nature of cargo aviation. The pilot’s alertness and adherence to safety protocols ensured that a technical snag was addressed without compromising lives or cargo. With a growing emphasis on logistics and airfreight connectivity in India, ensuring mechanical reliability and emergency preparedness remains vital. While the incident caused a brief delay, it concluded safely with the flight departing within hours. Airport authorities are expected to release a full report after examining the engine fault and response timelines.
