Air India flight with 180 passengers collides with tug tractor on runway

PUNE: An Air India plane collided with a tug tractor while taxiing on the runway. The incident happened at the Pune airport. The flight going to Delhi met with the accident. There were 180 passengers including children on board.

The airport officials said all passengers and crew on board are safe. The flight was bound for Delhi from Pune at 4 pm yesterday. The initial conclusion is that the aircraft collided with the tug tractor when brought to the runway.

The plane suffered damage to its nose and a tyre near the landing gear. The passengers were immediately deplaned and arrangements were made for an alternative flight to Delhi. Air India flight 858 has been taken for repairs. The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that a detailed investigation has been ordered into the incident. However, Air India authorities have not yet responded to the incident.

Preliminary reports suggest that the tug truck, used for manoeuvring the aircraft on the ground, struck the plane during the taxiing process. Tug tractors are also used to tow aircraft onto the runway in emergencies. The DGCA said that it is believed that the accident occurred while the aircraft was being towed to the track.