Kingfisher Airline’s Airbus A320 hits bunker wall at Bagdogra airport

Kingfisher Airlines A320-232 VT-ADR Simplifly Deccan Air DeccanA Kingfisher Airlines Airbus A320-232 registration VT-ADR performing flight IT-3334 from Badogra, West Bengal, India to New Delhi, India, was taxiing for take-off, and executing a 180 turn at the end of the runway to line up, when the right wing tip of the aircraft hit the wall of a grass-camouflaged bunker located in the proximity of the runway.

The wing was damaged but no leaks occurred. The airport, which is an active Indian Air Force base, was closed for an hour to free the aircraft. The aircraft returned to the apron, the passengers disembarked normally via stairs

The passengers have been brought to hotels, and a replacement aircraft is being despatched to operate the flight.

The aircraft VT-ADR MSN 2922 was delivered to the erstwhile Air Deccan on October 27, 2006, and was merged into the Kingfisher fleet following acquisition of Air Deccan by Kingfisher.

The UB Group, owners of Kingfisher Airlines issued the following statement

While executing a 180-degree turn to line up for take-off at Bagdogra Airport, the right wing tip of the aircraft operating Kingfisher Airlines flight IT 3334 touched the wall of a grass-camouflaged bunker located in the proximity of the runway. The aircraft was at very slow taxiing speed and all 178 guests and crew on board are absolutely safe and fine and were de-planed normally. The aircraft has been grounded pending inspection and the Flight Safety Department of Kingfisher Airlines is investigating the matter.

Another aircraft will reach Bagdogra shortly to operate the flight.

This is a relatively minor incident, and the over-sensationalised reporting by the mainstream media is troubling to say the least, but that is another story for another time.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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