An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 aircraft sustained significant damage after striking runway edge lights during an aborted take-off at Muscat International Airport. The incident, which occurred on May 15, led to a 13-hour delay for passengers bound for Kannur.
Incident Details and Damage
The flight, IX 712, was preparing for departure from runway 26L around 9:10 PM local time when the crew reportedly aligned the aircraft with the right-hand edge lights instead of the runway's centerline. As the take-off commenced, the aircraft struck and destroyed several edge lights.
Sources indicate that a loud bang and a master caution indication prompted the crew to reject the take-off. The aircraft subsequently stopped on the runway, rendered immobile due to a System A hydraulic leak and a flat tire. The engines also reportedly suffered severe damage from foreign object ingestion.
Investigation Underway
Oman's air accident investigation body has classified the occurrence as an accident and launched a formal inquiry. The aircraft remained grounded at Muscat for several days following the incident. Passengers were eventually accommodated on a replacement aircraft after the considerable delay.
Air India Express has not yet released an official statement regarding the event.