The budget airline SpiceJet has been instructed by India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), to inspect all operational Q400 aircraft engines within a week. In a statement released today, the DGCA stated that it would take all necessary steps to prevent any undesirable incidents.
The DGCA issued the directive after a SpiceJet Q400 flight from Goa made an emergency landing in Hyderabad on October 12 at around 11 p.m. as a result of significant smoke being found inside the cabin. Passengers exited safely through the emergency exit when the plane touched down. According to a DGCA official, one passenger received minor injuries while boarding the plane.
According to the DGCA, an initial examination found indications that engine oil entered the aircraft’s air conditioning system and caused smoke in the cabin.
To make sure that there are no metal or carbon seal components present, the aviation regulator has asked SpiceJet to provide all oil samples to Canada every 15 days. Additionally, it has directed the airline to check all Q400 magnetic chip detectors right away for any metal particles.
Later, a Hyderabad airport official revealed that there were 86 people on the SpiceJet plane when it made an emergency landing on October 12 and caused up to nine flights that night to be diverted.
On October 12, a SpiceJet Q400 flying from Goa to Hyderabad made a safe landing at its destination after smoke was spotted in the cabin as it descended. Passengers safely exited, according to a spokeswoman for the airline.
Due to recent operational and financial challenges, SpiceJet is already the subject of increased DGCA surveillance.Due to a number of mishaps affecting SpiceJet’s flights, the DGCA ordered SpiceJet to operate no more than 50% of the flights permitted in the summer schedule for an eight-week period as of July 27. The limitations were extended last month until October 29.
