Key Points
- IndiGo flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar faced severe turbulence and narrowly avoided a crash due to a sudden hailstorm.
- The aircraft’s nose cone was found broken after an emergency landing; all 227 passengers and crew are safe.
- Passengers described terrifying moments, with screams, prayers, and falling luggage during the ordeal.
- TMC MP Sagarika Ghosh was among those on board and praised the pilot’s heroic actions.
- IndiGo confirmed the incident, citing strict adherence to safety protocols and immediate passenger care post-landing.
New Delhi: A major aviation scare unfolded on Wednesday evening as IndiGo flight 6E 2142 from Delhi to Srinagar encountered severe weather, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing at Srinagar Airport. The incident, which left passengers shaken but unharmed, is being hailed as a testament to the crew’s professionalism and the pilot’s quick thinking.
Chaos in the Skies: Passengers Gripped by Fear
The flight, carrying 227 people including crew, was approaching Srinagar when it was suddenly caught in a violent hailstorm. About 20-30 minutes before landing, the captain announced for seat belts to be fastened as mild turbulence began. Within minutes, the aircraft was battered by intense turbulence, causing the plane to shake violently. Passengers described the sensation as if “death was near,” with many screaming, praying, and clutching their seats.
Viral videos from inside the cabin show luggage falling from overhead bins, children crying, and crew members instructing everyone to remain seated and buckled. The chaos lasted several nerve-wracking minutes as the pilot struggled to stabilize the aircraft.
Emergency Landing Amid Broken Aircraft Nose
Despite the terrifying conditions, the pilot managed to communicate with Srinagar Air Traffic Control and execute a skilled emergency landing. Once safely on the ground, passengers discovered the nose cone the front section of the aircraft had been shattered, likely by hail impact during the descent.
Eyewitness Accounts: “We Thought This Was Our Last Flight”
Among the passengers was a five-member delegation of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), including MP Sagarika Ghosh. Recounting the ordeal, Ghosh said, “I felt death is near. Life is over. People were screaming, praying. Salute to the pilot who saved all our lives.” Another passenger echoed the sentiment, saying the turbulence was so severe it felt like their “last flight.”
IndiGo’s Official Response
In a statement, IndiGo confirmed that flight 6E 2142 encountered a sudden hailstorm en route to Srinagar. “The flight and cabin crew followed all protocols, and the flight landed safely. The airport team prioritized the health and comfort of all passengers after landing,” the airline said.
Aftermath and Praise for the Crew
Passengers, visibly shaken but grateful, praised the pilot and crew for their calm and professional handling of the emergency. The incident has sparked widespread appreciation for aviation safety standards and the importance of experienced crew in crisis situations.
Incident Summary Table
| Flight | Route | Incident | Passengers & Crew | Injuries | Aircraft Damage | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo 6E 2142 | Delhi to Srinagar | Severe hailstorm, turbulence | 227 | None | Broken nose cone | Safe emergency landing |
IndiGo’s swift response and the pilot’s expertise turned a potential tragedy into a story of survival and professionalism, with all 227 on board returning home safely.
