Major Accident Averted at Jubbarhatti Airport as Plane with Deputy CM and DGP Faces Landing Trouble
jubaal hatti airport
Shimla, March 24: A major accident was narrowly avoided on Monday morning at Jubbarhatti Airport, located near Shimla, when an Alliance Air ATR flight coming from Delhi faced difficulties during landing. The flight, carrying several passengers, including Himachal Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), struggled to maintain proper balance on the runway. The plane landed beyond its designated area, and the pilot was forced to apply emergency brakes at the end of the runway to prevent a potential disaster.
Despite the tense moments, the alertness of the pilot and crew ensured that the aircraft came to a safe halt without any casualties. While the weather on Monday morning was clear, experts believe that the situation could have been caused by the limited length of the runway or a possible technical fault in the aircraft.
The Incident: A Close Call
The Alliance Air flight was on its way from Delhi to Shimla when it experienced difficulties while attempting to land at Jubbarhatti Airport. As the plane failed to maintain proper balance on the runway, it veered beyond the designated landing area. In a split-second decision, the pilot initiated emergency braking to stop the aircraft before it could cause further damage or overshoot the runway. The quick thinking of the flight crew ensured the safety of all passengers on board.
The situation caused panic among the passengers, particularly as the flight had several high-profile figures aboard, including Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and DGP of Himachal Pradesh. However, despite the anxiety in the cabin, the plane was brought to a halt without any harm, and the passengers were evacuated safely.
Limited Runway Poses Challenges at Jubbarhatti Airport
Jubbarhatti Airport, situated amidst the hilly terrain of Shimla, is known for its shorter runway, which stretches just 1,230 meters in length. This limited space makes landing and takeoff operations challenging, particularly for larger aircraft like the ATRs. The airport’s runway length is considered to be a significant factor contributing to the difficulties faced by planes, especially during adverse conditions or when aircraft experience technical issues.
While the weather was clear on Monday, the combination of the short runway and potential technical fault may have played a key role in the difficulties encountered during the landing.
Flight Cancellations and Impact on Passengers
Following the incident, Alliance Air decided to cancel subsequent flights, citing technical reasons. This led to a disruption in the travel plans of many passengers who had been scheduled to fly out from Jubbarhatti Airport on Monday. The cancellations caused inconvenience to several individuals who had to make alternative travel arrangements.
Safety Concerns and Future Improvements
The incident at Jubbarhatti Airport has raised concerns about the safety measures in place at the airport, particularly given the challenges posed by the limited runway length. Local authorities have long been aware of these difficulties, and the need for longer runways to accommodate modern aircraft safely has been a subject of ongoing debate.
As investigations continue into the cause of the landing trouble, officials are expected to review the safety protocols and explore potential solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future. There is also growing pressure to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure to ensure safer landings and smoother operations for flights to and from Shimla.
In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of operating in challenging terrain and the critical importance of quick thinking and preparedness in aviation safety.
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