Alliance Air flight 9I613 from Delhi developed a tyre problem while landing at Bilaspur airport; passengers reported a loud impact and burning smell inside the cabin.

A major accident was narrowly avoided at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, after the tyre of an Alliance Air flight burst during landing on Friday. The Delhi-Bilaspur flight, carrying around 37 passengers, came to a halt on the runway without any injuries being reported.

According to the preliminary findings cited in the report, one tyre burst during landing while three other wheels of the aircraft also became locked. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation to determine what caused the tyre failure and whether any other technical issue contributed to the incident.

Passengers said the landing was accompanied by a strong jolt. Within seconds, a burning smell reportedly spread through the cabin, causing concern among those on board.

Strong jolt during landing

Advocate Prakash Tiwari, a resident of Khaparganj who was travelling on the flight, said the journey from Delhi had been normal until the aircraft approached Bilaspur.

He said passengers experienced a sudden and strong impact as the aircraft touched down. The landing did not feel normal, and a sound resembling a bang added to the panic inside the aircraft.

Soon afterwards, passengers noticed a burning smell. Some feared that the aircraft might have caught fire, leading to confusion and anxiety as the plane came to a stop.

The aircraft eventually remained on the runway near the edge of the adjoining field. Passengers were evacuated after it stopped.

Three wheels reportedly locked

The initial investigation found that the aircraft suffered a tyre burst during landing. According to the information provided by officials, three other wheels also became locked.

The aircraft's wheel assembly and axle were also reported to have suffered damage. However, all passengers were able to leave the aircraft safely and no casualties were reported.

The exact sequence of the technical failure remains under investigation.

Nine-member DGCA team examines aircraft

A nine-member DGCA team reached Bilaspur to investigate the incident. Officials inspected the damaged aircraft and examined the affected tyre and other components.

The team also sought details from airport management and Alliance Air personnel. Seven engineers from the airline were present during the inspection.

Officials examined the aircraft's technical condition, maintenance records and procedures related to its operation. The investigators also spoke to people associated with the flight to establish what happened during the landing.

Runway inspected after aircraft examination

After examining the aircraft, the DGCA team inspected the runway and the area where the plane came to a stop.

The inspection was aimed at determining whether runway conditions or any other external factor played a role in the incident. The team subsequently declared the runway safe for aircraft operations.

Following the inspection, a flight arriving from Prayagraj was allowed to land at Bilaspur airport. The same aircraft later operated its scheduled return flight from Bilaspur to Delhi.

Damaged aircraft may be taken to Delhi

Repair work on the affected Alliance Air aircraft is underway, although officials and the airline are reportedly facing difficulties in arranging the required equipment at Bilaspur.

The airline is considering carrying out sufficient repairs to make the aircraft safe for a ferry flight to Delhi. Once there, the aircraft can undergo a more comprehensive repair at a workshop, where replacement parts and specialised equipment can be arranged more easily.

The final findings on the cause of the tyre burst are expected after the DGCA investigation and technical examination are completed.

What happened to Alliance Air flight 9I613?

Alliance Air flight 9I613, operating from Delhi to Bilaspur, encountered the problem while landing at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport. The aircraft stopped safely on the runway despite the tyre failure and wheel-locking issue.

The incident comes under regulatory examination by the DGCA. Investigators are looking into the aircraft's technical condition, maintenance history and the circumstances surrounding the landing to establish the precise cause.

No passenger injuries have been reported in the incident.