IndiGo captain, co-pilot suspended for safety violations during Ahmedabad tail strike landing incident

"On 15.06.2023, an Airbus 321 aircraft was involved in a tail strike while landing at Ahmedabad. DGCA investigation has revealed that the crew carried out the landing in deviation from established SOPs," an IndiGo official said on Wednesday.

After considering their responses and evaluating the relevant facts, the DGCA decided to suspend the flying licence of the pilot for a period of three months and that of the co-pilot for one month. This action was taken for their violation of the provisions of the relevant Civil Aviation requirements and Standard Operating Procedures.

“After examination of their replies and relevant facts of the matter, the licence of the PIC has been suspended for a period of 3 months and of co-pilot for a period of 1 month for violation of the provisions of the relevant Civil Aviation requirements and SOPs,” the DGCA official said.

A tail strike occurs when the tail of an aircraft strikes the ground or another stationary object. While rarely dangerous in themselves, aeroplanes that have a tailstrike incident must be thoroughly inspected to prevent catastrophic structural failure.