Last updated: 1. 11. 2019 16:29 CET
An IndiGo flight 6E1751 from Chennai (MAA) to Kuwait City (KWI) declared an emergency (squawk 7700) and returned to Chennai (MAA) on October 31st 2019.
A spokesperson for IndiGo said, “IndiGo A320 was operating Chennai-Kuwait 6E-1751. After take-off from Chennai, the pilot observed a momentary message of the smoke detector in the aft cargo compartment.”
“As a precaution, the pilot returned to Chennai. After arrival, it was confirmed that the message was false. The aircraft will be back in operations shortly. Alternate arrangements for all the passengers were made,” the spokesperson added.
Since October 25th this is 3rd diversion of IndiGo A320neo aircraft (please see our database). At least 2 of these incidents seem to be somehow related to A320neo engines.
Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed the low-cost carrier this week to replace A320neo aircrafts’ Pratt & Whitney engines, which have operated more than 3,000 hours. “Kindly note that after that none of these 23 aircraft, which does not have at least one low pressure turbine (LPT) modified engine on its wings, shall be allowed for commercial operation and their schedule will suitably be curtailed till this is accomplished,” the DGCA stated. DGCA issued similar instructions to GoAir this week.
The DGCA has also directed IndiGo that all of its current 97 Airbus A320 Neo family of planes must have both modified engines by the end of January 2020. “As you are aware, last one week has witnessed four air turn back/inflight shut down and has caused serious concern and resultant disruption. This situation cannot be allowed to go on indefinitely. Therefore, after considerable deliberations, it has been decided that all aircraft in your (IndiGo) fleet numbering 97 as on date, need to be placed with modified LPT for both the engines,” said DGCA’s director general Arun Kumar.
“It has been further decided that the operator must ensure that all these aircrafts are provided with modified LPT by 31/1/2020 at all costs. In case, it is not done, such aircraft shall not be allowed to fly with unmodified engines,” Kumar further added.