The SpiceJet flight, which was to operate from Delhi to Jammu, was being pushed back for departure by the push back operator in coordination with an AME and two wing walkers. A SPICEJET-operated Boeing 737-800 aircraft hit a lighting pole at Delhi Airport Monday morning while pushing back, damaging the plane’s right wing and the pole that it hit. The Director of Air Safety (North Region) at aviation safety regulator DGCA has commenced a detailed investigation into the incident.
In the aftermath of the incident, both the operating pilots, the aircraft maintenance engineer (AME), wing walkers and the push-back operator have been taken off duty pending an investigation.
The SpiceJet flight, which was to operate from Delhi to Jammu, was being pushed back for departure by the push back operator in coordination with an AME and two wing walkers. “During the push back operation, the aircraft was pushed beyond taxi lane… and further apron edge marking. When the aircraft was being aligned, the trailing portion of the RH (right hand) wing hit the apron light pole,” a source at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.
The source said that following the incident all those involved were tested for alcohol consumption, and they tested negative.
A SpiceJet spokesperson said: “On March 28, 2022, SpiceJet flight SG160 was scheduled to operate between Delhi and Jammu. During push back, the right wing trailing edge came in close contact with a pole, causing damage to aileron. A replace aircraft was arranged to operate the flight.”
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