Mid-air crash between two IndiGo flights averted

In a statement, IndiGo said: "IndiGo flight 6E-813 en-route to Guwahati from Mumbai experienced turbulence due to monsoon activity over the sub-continent, yesterday (August 02, 2016). During such weather situations, there are two types of activities – first is 'Cumulo-Nimbus' activity and second is '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," it said.

"This caused the aircraft 6E-813 (Mumbai-Guwahati) to climb by about 250-300 feet, at the same instance another aircraft 6E-136 (Guwahati-Chennai) was crossing 6E-813. Following the prescribed protocol, 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," read the statement.

Speaking on the passengers,IndiGo said: "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 Guwahati airport," it said.

"Simultaneously, the Pilot along with other the two cabin crew ensured to inform all passengers about the turbulence and assured of the situation being monitored," it said.

"The flight made a normal landing and 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, there were no major injuries reported," the private airlines said.

As an airline we rely upon ATC’s traffic advisory and ensure to comply with their instructions. At IndiGo, safety of the passengers, crew and the aircraft are of top priority – and at no time it can be compromised.
[03/08 16:14] Hemanta Dq: Two airhostes and four passengers injured

(With Inputs by Hemanta Kumar Nath)