Alliance Air airplane takes off sans engine cowl, probe initiated

An ATR72-600 turboprop airplane operated by Alliance Air flew from Mumbai to Bhuj on Wednesday after having misplaced the cowl, or protecting of one among its engine, whereas taking off. There had been 70 folks on board the plane together with 4 crew members and one plane upkeep engineer.
According to an official on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aviation security regulator is investigating the incident. Shortly after the airplane took off from Mumbai round 6.30am on Wednesday, the airport’s air site visitors management reported that the plane’s engine cowl was discovered on the aspect of the runway. The plane continued its flight and landed safely at Bhuj.
“The separation of engine cowling may have aerodynamic effect leading to marginal aircraft performance deterioration. Engine components exposed to airflow may have been impacted. However in the present case, the aircraft has landed safely at destination,” the DGCA official stated.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) reported that an engine cowling was discovered on the aspect of the runway. (Photo by DGCA Arun Kumar)
As per one other supply, facets like upkeep information and flying circumstances shall be studied as a part of the investigation. However, the supply stated that on the idea of the situation of the recovered engine cowl, the trigger for it to come back off is unlikely to be a international object colliding with the engine.
In a press release acknowledging the “unfortunate incident”, Alliance Air stated, “While we follow laid down policies/procedures as per the regulatory authorities and have strict checks in place — both pre and post flight operations in order to ensure complete safety of our passengers & crew, we regret the unfortunate incident. We have taken strict note of the incident and a thorough investigation has been initiated. The findings of the same shall be shared with the regulatory authorities and we shall ensure that all required corrective actions are put in place.”