Major Scare at Lucknow Airport: Saudi Airlines Plane Carrying 250 Haj Pilgrims Escapes Disaster

Key Points

• Saudi Airlines flight SV-3112 carrying 250 Haj pilgrims from Jeddah to Lucknow suffered a hydraulic failure during landing.
• Sparks and smoke were seen coming from the left wheel as the plane touched down at Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport.
• The pilot’s quick action and coordination with air traffic control ensured all passengers were safely evacuated.
• The airport fire brigade responded within minutes, controlling the situation in under 20 minutes.
• Experts say the pilot’s presence of mind averted what could have been a major tragedy.

Lucknow: A major aviation scare unfolded at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport early morning, when a Saudi Airlines plane carrying 250 Haj pilgrims developed a serious technical fault during landing. The incident, which saw sparks and smoke billowing from the aircraft’s left wheel, has raised fresh concerns about air safety following recent aviation mishaps in India.

Incident Details: Sparks and Smoke on Landing

Saudi Airlines flight SV-3112 departed Jeddah at 10:45 pm on Saturday, transporting Indian pilgrims returning from the Haj. The plane landed at Lucknow at 6:30 am on Sunday. According to airport officials, as the aircraft touched down, airport staff and passengers noticed sparks and smoke emerging from the left wheel assembly.

The pilot, demonstrating exceptional presence of mind, immediately halted the aircraft and alerted air traffic control. The plane was then carefully moved to the taxiway to facilitate a safe evacuation.

Swift Emergency Response

Within minutes, the airport’s fire brigade and emergency response teams arrived at the scene. Using foam and water, they managed to control the smoke and potential fire hazard within 20 minutes, preventing the situation from escalating. All 250 passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft, and no injuries were reported.

Technical Fault: Hydraulic System Failure

Initial investigations by airport engineers revealed that a sudden leak in the hydraulic system caused the malfunction in the landing gear. This led to excessive friction and overheating, resulting in the visible sparks and smoke. Engineers worked through the day to address the fault, but the issue could not be fully resolved immediately.

Aviation experts noted that such a technical failure during takeoff could have led to a catastrophic accident. The fact that the incident occurred during landing, combined with the crew’s prompt actions, ensured a safe outcome.

Rising Concerns Over Air Safety

This incident comes amid a spate of recent aviation scares in India, including a tragic crash in Ahmedabad. The Lucknow episode has intensified scrutiny of aircraft maintenance and emergency preparedness at Indian airports.

Passenger Safety: Top Priority

Authorities have assured that passenger safety remains the highest priority. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry into the technical fault and has asked Saudi Airlines for a detailed report.

Summary Table: Lucknow Saudi Airlines Incident