Lucknow: An IndiGo flight flying from Patna to Lucknow was hit by severe weather on Wednesday, with the aircraft’s nose section damaged during the journey. The plane, carrying 104 passengers and six crew members, landed safely in Lucknow, and no injuries were reported.
Flight 6E925 was flying at around 17,000 feet when it encountered bad weather. Initial reports said the aircraft was struck by lightning, while hail was also reported in the area. The plane continued its journey and landed at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow.
The damage was noticed after the aircraft reached its parking bay. The nose section, or radome, which protects the weather radar at the front of the aircraft, was found damaged.
IndiGo said the flight had encountered unfavourable weather conditions, including hail. The airline informed the concerned authorities and took the aircraft out of service for inspection and maintenance.
The exact cause of the damage has not yet been confirmed. While a lightning strike is one possibility being examined, investigators are also looking at whether hail, ice or another object could have caused the damage.
The aircraft has been placed under technical inspection and will remain grounded until the necessary checks and clearances are completed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also been informed about the incident.
The disruption affected the aircraft’s next scheduled flight from Lucknow to Ahmedabad. IndiGo arranged another aircraft for passengers on that service.
Despite the frightening weather encounter, the Patna-Lucknow flight completed its journey safely. For the passengers on board, the most serious part of the incident was discovered only after the aircraft had safely reached the ground.
Authorities and airline engineers are now examining the aircraft to establish exactly what caused the damage and whether any other part of the plane was affected.
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