SpiceJet Q400 Aircraft Engine Catches Fire at Delhi Airport: All Safe, DGCA Surveillance Lifted

NEW DELHI: In a recent incident at Delhi airport, a SpiceJet Q400 aircraft's engine caught fire during maintenance, raising concerns but assuring all personnel's safety. According to a SpiceJet spokesperson, the fire warning was detected in the engine under maintenance, leading to the activation of the fire extinguisher. The situation prompted the immediate response of calling the fire brigade, resulting in the successful extinguishing of the fire. The maintenance personnel and the grounded aircraft remained unharmed during the incident.

The SpiceJet Q400 aircraft is a turbo-prop plane, capable of accommodating either 78 or 90 passengers, as mentioned on the airline's website. However, the aircraft involved in this incident was undergoing maintenance, and no passengers were on board.

It's noteworthy that earlier on the same day, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had removed SpiceJet from its enhanced surveillance regime, which had been imposed previously. The airline had faced multiple challenges and was subjected to enhanced scrutiny due to past concerns about inadequate maintenance and incidents during the monsoon season the previous year. As part of the enhanced surveillance, DGCA teams conducted 51 spot checks at 11 locations across India, inspecting a total of 23 Boeing 737 and Bombardier DHC Q-400 fleet aircraft, resulting in 95 observations. However, these findings were deemed routine and not considered significant, leading to the lifting of the surveillance by DGCA. SpiceJet had vehemently denied the earlier media reports regarding its inclusion in the enhanced surveillance regime.

This incident raises questions about aircraft maintenance and safety protocols. SpiceJet has been taking appropriate maintenance actions in accordance with DGCA guidelines to address the observations made during the spot checks. The airline is now relieved of the enhanced surveillance, indicating its compliance with safety standards.

The incident at Delhi airport serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety measures and continuous monitoring in the aviation industry. As passengers' safety is of paramount concern, it is crucial for airlines to maintain and adhere to strict maintenance and surveillance protocols to prevent any potential risks during operations.

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