An IndiGo Airbus A321 encountered a tail strike while landing at Mumbai airport early Saturday amid heavy rain, aviation officials confirmed. The aircraft, arriving from Bangkok, performed a low-altitude go-around after descending below 550 feet before pilots decided to abort the initial landing. The incident marks the seventh tail strike on IndiGo’s A321 fleet in roughly two years, prompting renewed scrutiny by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
According to airline and aviation sources, the tail strike occurred during the go-around manoeuvre, after which the aircraft executed a second approach and landed safely. “Following standard safety protocol, the aircraft will undergo thorough technical inspection and necessary repairs before resuming operations,” a spokesperson for the airline stated. Tail strikes, which occur when the rear fuselage of an aircraft contacts the runway, are statistically most common during landings. Experts cite human error as the leading cause, while environmental factors such as strong winds or heavy rain can exacerbate risks. Aviation safety analysts emphasise that tail strikes, even minor, require careful runway inspections to ensure no debris or damage compromises subsequent flights.
In July 2023, the DGCA imposed a ₹30 lakh penalty on IndiGo following four tail strikes within six months, noting systemic deficiencies in operational procedures, pilot training, and engineering oversight. Industry experts argue that repeated incidents underline the importance of robust risk management, especially during adverse weather operations. Aviation insiders also highlighted that Mumbai Air Traffic Control (ATC) was reportedly not informed immediately after the tail strike. “Tail strikes can dislodge runway lights or leave foreign objects that pose a hazard to other aircraft. Protocol requires prompt ATC notification so a runway inspection can be conducted before further traffic operations,” an official explained.
The airline confirmed it has already initiated its internal safety review and is coordinating with regulators to ensure compliance with operational and engineering standards. The DGCA has indicated that it will continue monitoring IndiGo’s fleet performance, particularly the Airbus A321 aircraft, to prevent recurrence. Mumbai airport authorities, along with airline safety teams, are also reviewing go-around procedures and pilot decision-making protocols under extreme weather conditions. Officials stress that safety remains the top priority, and lessons from such incidents will feed into broader national aviation safety strategies.
The incident underscores the challenges airlines face operating in India’s monsoon season, where unpredictable weather can affect landing visibility and aircraft handling. It also highlights the increasing emphasis on sustainable, safety-first aviation practices, as operators strive to balance operational efficiency with passenger security.
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