Mumbai-bound Air India flight returns shortly after take-off, engine shutdown suspected
PTC News Desk: A Mumbai-bound Air India flight returned to Delhi airport shortly after take-off on Monday after the crew detected a significant drop in engine oil pressure on aircraft's right-hand engine, prompting an immediate safety response mid-air.
Flight AI887, operated by a Boeing 777-337 ER aircraft, had departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 3.20 am when pilots observed abnormally low oil pressure on the right-hand engine, identified as Engine No 2. The oil pressure subsequently dropped to zero, triggering standard emergency procedures and a decision to return to base.
The aircraft safely landed at Delhi airport with all passengers disembarked. No injuries were reported.
A drop in engine oil pressured is deemed a serious safety concern as oil is essential to keep engine components cool and streamline movement. Inadequate oil pressure can lead to rapid overheating and, in extreme cases, engine failure or fire.
The airline confirmed the development and that the crew responded in accordance with the established safety and emergency protocols after the engine parameter warning.
“The crew operating flight AI887 from Delhi to Mumbai on 22 December decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue as per standard operating procedure. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi and the passengers and crew have disembarked,” an Air India spokesperson said.
The airline further added that the aircraft is undergoing mandatory safety and technical checks and services will be resumed only after complete clearance.
- PTC NEWS
