Civil aviation regulator orders special safety audit of IndiGo

New Delhi, April 17

Civil aviation regulator DGCA has ordered a special audit of private carrier IndiGo due to re-occurring glitches and non-reporting of incidents with its A320 Neo fleet.

Accordingly, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered a special safety audit of IndiGo after several lapses of non-reporting and irregular reporting of IndiGo A320 Neo incidents come to light.

The last such lapse was reported by IANS on April 12, when IndiGo’s Delhi-Mumbai flight had to perform a mid-air “turn back” manoeuvre on April 10.

That time, sources privy to development had said the manoeuvre was performed after excessive vibration was noticed from aircraft’s engine number two.

However, an airline official said the aircraft suffered a bird hit en-route from Delhi to Mumbai.

According to sources, the DGCA has also sent show-cause notices to IndiGo’s COO and head of engineering.

“Currently, airworthiness and air safety teams of the DGCA are conducting complete review of engineering and maintenance processes,” a source said.

The three-day audit was started on Monday.

On its part, IndiGo said confirmed that an ongoing DGCA audit was being conducted combined with the annual main base audit.

“IndiGo has received a limited number of show-cause notices. IndiGo has responded accordingly and we can only comment on this matter after we have a discussion with the DGCA on this matter,” the airline said in a statement.

More than 18 cases of mid-air engine failures or problems have been reported in the A320 Neos operated by IndiGo and GoAir since January, industry sources said.

Excessive vibration resulting in midair turn backs has emerged as the most common and serious safety issue with the P&W engine powered Neos of late. — IANS

A320 Neo engine woes

• More than 18 cases of mid-air engine failures or problems have been reported in the A320 Neos operated by IndiGo and GoAir since January
• Excessive vibration resulting in midair turn backs has emerged as the most common and serious safety issue with the P&W engine powered Neos of late