GUWAHATI, Aug 3 - Passengers travelling in two IndiGo flights had a narrow escape after one of the aircraft � flight 6E-813 en-route Guwahati from Mumbai experienced turbulence over Dhaka air space last night.
The turbulence which led to deviations forced the aircraft to climb 250-300 feet just at a time when another aircraft 6E-136 (Guwahati-Chennai) was crossing the 6E-813.
�Under such weather situations, there are two types of activities � �Cumulo-Nimbus� activity and �Clear Air Turbulence� (CAT). While the former can be detected by the weather radar, as per which the flight crew typically takes deviations and fly to avoid any turbulence � the latter, is experienced occasionally which cannot be detected by the weather radar. 6E-813 flight experienced �Clear Air Turbulence� (CAT) which could not be detected by the weather radar,� an official press statement from the airline claimed.
�Following this, the pilot immediately applied the Resolution Advisory (RA) triggered by TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System). TCAS is on-board equipment that advises pilots about the traffic in the proximity of the aircraft and also instructs pilots the avoidance action (Resolution Advisory) to maintain desired separation between the aircraft,� the statement said. The statement conceded that due to this monsoon activity, passengers along with the cabin crew on board were physically shaken.�
�Of all, four passengers complained of giddiness and two cabin crew needed first aid. In addition to applying the Resolution Advisory (RA), the Pilot immediately alerted the Air Traffic Control about the situation on-board, and requested for a doctor and ambulance at the LGBI Airport here. Immediately after landing, these four passengers along with the two cabin crew were administered with the necessary medical assistance.� As per the doctor�s report, no major injuries reported,� it added.
Mrinali Barbara, who was on-board the flight from Mumbai to Guwahati, however, told this newspaper that the intensity of the deviations were very high.
�It was like a very strong earthquake. Both the crew members and the captain were coming up with different versions. Passengers along with air hostesses sustained injuries. At one moment, we were told that there could be an emergency landing in Dhaka. But fortunately, we could land in Guwahati safe,� she said recollecting the horrifying experience.
Mrinali said, �After all that happened, the airline did not bother to tender an apology to us, which is not acceptable.�
