Probe ordered into possible mid-air collision

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has started an enquiry into a possible mid-air collision involving two Airbus 320 aircraft and 336 passengers on Friday at Patna airport.

The incident took place at 6:47pm, when an IndiGo flight was rolling for takeoff and a Kingfisher plane was on its way to land. Both had received clearance from the ATC.

The DGCA has asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to look at the air traffic control (ATC) tape having the recorded conversation between the ATC duty officer and the pilots of the Kingfisher and IndiGo planes.

It has also asked the two airlines for the cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) and a statement each on the basis of the pilots' accounts.

Talking to Hindustan Times from Kolkata, DGCA regional controller (air safety) Shanit Kumar said: "The incident was reported to us on Friday evening itself and we have initiated an inquiry to not just identify the culprit but also to suggest remedial action so that such incidents do not recur."

On Friday an ATC official had made light of the incident, terming it 'routine' and a 'normal phenomenon'.