DGCA orders probe into SpiceJet flight turbulence

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday said that it has deputed a team to investigate severe turbulence on SpiceJet’s Mumbai-Durgapur flight, said a DGCA official on Monday.

SpiceJet in a statement on Monday said that the seat belt sign was on when the aircraft encountered turbulence and several announcements for the same were also made by crew members asking passengers to remain seated.

“DGCA has ordered a probe into the turbulence incident on SpiceJet’s Mumbai-Durgapur flight on May 1. A team has been formed to investigate and submit a report at the earliest,” said a DGCA official

According to the official, the probe team has reached Kolkata airport to inspect the aircraft and will meet the injured passengers for their statements.

“After that, the team will meet the SpiceJet crew for their statement on the matter. If the investigation finds any lapses in safety issues, the regulator will take strict action,” the official said.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday termed the incident unfortunate and said that the matter is being dealt with utmost seriousness and deftness.

“The turbulence encountered by a flight while landing in Durgapur, and the damage caused to the passengers is unfortunate. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA) India has deputed a team to investigate the incident. The matter is being dealt with utmost seriousness and deftness,” said Scindia in a tweet.

“More details on the cause(s) will be shared once the investigation is completed,” he added.