Mumbai: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation after two passenger aircraft—operated by Air India and IndiGo—were involved in a wingtip collision while taxiing at Mumbai Airport on Tuesday night.

The incident occurred during ground movement when an Air India A320 aircraft, operating flight AI2732 and registered as VT-TYF, was taxiing from C1 towards M4 for departure. At the same time, an IndiGo A320 aircraft with registration VT-IFV was taxiing on arrival and entering taxiway B1. During this phase, the right wingtips of both aircraft made contact, according to the DGCA.
 

Following the collision, both aircraft were taken back to their respective bays for inspection. Officials from the DGCA’s Mumbai office reached the airport to assess the situation and carry out further checks. More details are awaited.

Meanwhile, a day earlier, the aviation regulator issued a rejoinder addressing reports of a suspected malfunction in the fuel cut-off switch of an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft (VT-ANX), which had been flagged by the crew on two occasions on January 1.

The DGCA clarified that the issue arose due to the application of external force in an incorrect direction, leading to the switch moving from “RUN” to “CUTOFF”.

"Both left and right switches were checked and found satisfactory, with the locking tooth/pawl fully seated and not slipping from RUN to CUTOFF. When full force was applied parallel to the base plate, the switch remained secure. However, applying external force in an incorrect direction caused the switch to move easily from RUN to CUTOFF, due to the angular base plate allowing slip when pressed improperly with finger or thumb," the rejoinder said.

The clarification followed the grounding of an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft after a pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch.

An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the matter had been reported to the DGCA, stating that one of its pilots had flagged a potential issue with the fuel control switch, prompting regulatory scrutiny.
ANI