KOCHI: A disagreement between a senior pilot-in-command (PIC) and his junior woman co-pilot was one of the reasons for

flight IX 452 from

to

Kochi

with 102 passengers on board landing in an open drain at

(Cial) on September 4, 2017.

The final probe report of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on the accident, in which three passengers suffered injuries and the aircraft was damaged, said the “incorrect judgement” taken by the PIC was a probable cause of accident. It cited the disagreement between the pilots over requesting a “Follow Me” jeep at Taxiway C and that the centre line of Taxiway C was barely visible as contributory factors.

AIE told to ensure proper crew pairing

The report said the PIC had initiated a left turn short of the taxi track link (before Taxiway F) during the rainy night and reduced visibility conditions resulted in the aircraft entering the open rainwater drain. “While taxiing, the co-pilot informed PIC about passing taxiway “E” and next is “F”. The co-pilot also requested PIC who was at controls to go slow as runway markings were not visible and advised to call follow me jeep. However, there was no response from PIC,” the report said.

The total flying experience of the 59-yearold PIC was 14,495 hrs while the 28-year-old copilot had 1,429 hrs flying experience. The Cochin-Abu Dhabi-Cochin sector was the first time they operated together, with the accident happening on their second flight.

The Director General, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), vide an order dated October 23, had ordered an inquiry into the incident by a three-member team headed by Amit Gupta, director, AED.

The team’s report, submitted in April 2019, said the aviation authorities had asked

to ensure proper crew pairing, taking into consideration the age factor and experience, to avoid such incidents in future. It has also asked Air India Express to issue a circular regarding proper crew coordination.

The Cial authorities have also been asked to repaint the taxiway markings with fluorescent material and put additional conspicuous markings on the taxiways. They have also been asked to properly illuminate the drains and indicate obstructions besides exploring the possibility of installing the centreline lights for taxiway C for better visibility.

A CIAL official said the Follow Me jeep was standing by, awaiting the pilot’s call, at the time of the incident. “There was a severe visibility issue due to bad weather and we have arranged the Follow Me vehicle as per the standard procedures. Many aircraft that landed at that time, including the

that landed minutes before the Air India Express aircraft, used Follow Me. But there was no call from the Air India Express pilot seeking Follow Me assistance. The accident could have been averted if it was used,” he said.