6 incidents of engine shutdowns, 3 ‘May Day’ calls this year: MoCA

The civil aviation sector has reported six incidents of aircraft engine shutdowns and three “May Day” calls between January and July this year, according to figures shared in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol.

The data, presented in response to parliamentary questions, adds to growing concerns about operational safety in the country’s rapidly expanding aviation industry.

Among the engine-related incidents, low-cost carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet recorded two shutdowns each, while full-service carrier Air India and regional operator Alliance Air reported one each. Though none of these incidents resulted in casualties, they prompted emergency responses and post-flight technical investigations.

More alarming are the three incidents of “May Day” calls, emergency declarations made by pilots indicating a life-threatening situation onboard that requires immediate assistance from air traffic control. One of these involved Air India’s London Gatwick-bound flight AI 171, which tragically crashed into a building shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 people, including 12 crew members, onboard.

The other two “May Day” incidents were reported by IndiGo and Air India Express, but the ministry has not disclosed further details about the nature or outcomes of those emergencies.

In a separate response, the minister clarified that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s preliminary report on the Air India crash, released on July 12, contains no conclusions and is based solely on available factual data. “The investigation is still in progress,” said Mohol. When asked whether sabotage was being considered as a possible cause, the minister confirmed that “every aspect is being looked into” to determine all probable and contributory factors behind the incident.

While commercial airline incidents naturally draw public attention, Mohol also disclosed that a total of 36 aviation accidents have been reported in India since 2022. These include two involving scheduled commercial aircraft, two non-scheduled aircraft, 19 trainee aircraft, two private planes and 11 helicopters.

Aviation safety specialists say that the spate of engine shutdowns and “May Day” calls must be treated with seriousness, especially as India’s aviation sector continues to grow at one of the fastest rates globally. With more aircraft, carriers and increasing passenger traffic, even a marginal increase in safety risks can have far-reaching consequences.

Regulators like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are expected to intensify safety audits and enforce stricter compliance protocols following these disclosures. But industry insiders caution that regulatory oversight alone may not be enough. Airlines, too, must invest heavily in maintenance standards, crew training, and preventive checks to avoid incidents that risk lives and erode public trust.