On the night of November 25, 2024, passengers and crew aboard a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 experienced a moment of panic as the world's largest double-decker commercial aircraft unexpectedly rolled back at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The incident, which occurred shortly after the aircraft had landed from Singapore, was caused by a simple yet critical oversight: the pilots forgot to apply the parking brake.
By Aditya M
The Incident Unfolds
The A380, operating flight SQ406, had just arrived at IGIA around 8:00 PM local time. As the aircraft taxied to its designated parking bay, the pilots inadvertently left the parking brake disengaged. The parking bay at IGIA has a slight slope designed to allow water runoff during rains, which unfortunately contributed to the aircraft's backward movement once it was docked.
At 8:14 PM, the aircraft began to roll back, causing immediate concern among the crew and passengers. Fortunately, the pilots quickly realized their mistake and promptly engaged the parking brake, bringing the aircraft to a halt before it could collide with any other planes or vehicles. The ground staff was then able to safely tow the aircraft back to its designated parking spot.
Safety Measures and Response
In response to the incident, Singapore Airlines issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety and apologizing for any inconvenience caused. The airline confirmed that all passengers disembarked normally, and only one cabin crew member suffered a minor bruise, which was promptly treated. The crew member was cleared to return to duty shortly after receiving medical attention.
Standard Operating Procedures and Lessons Learned
The incident highlights the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) in aviation. The SOP for parking an aircraft involves setting the parking brake before shutting down the engines and ensuring that ground staff place chocks in front of and behind the aircraft wheels. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that these safety measures play in preventing accidents.
Previous Incidents and Aviation Safety
Interestingly, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred at IGIA. In October 2024, pilots of an Oman Air aircraft reportedly started the engine while the aerobridge and baggage loader were still connected, causing baggage to go flying and creating a potential safety hazard. These incidents underscore the need for continuous vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry.
Conclusion
While the Singapore Airlines A380 incident at Delhi Airport was a close call, it fortunately did not result in any serious injuries or damage. It serves as a valuable lesson for pilots and aviation professionals worldwide about the importance of following established safety procedures. As air travel continues to grow, maintaining rigorous safety standards will be crucial in ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew.
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