An IndiGo flight, No. 6E 6054, encountered a tail strike incident while taking off from Delhi Airport on September 9, 2024. The aircraft, scheduled for Bengaluru, suffered significant damage to its tail section, which was evident from multiple white dents on the blue paint of the plane’s rear.

A tail strike occurs when the tail of an aircraft makes contact with the runway during takeoff or landing. This can lead to serious structural damage, particularly to the rear pressure bulkhead, which seals the pressurized cabin and ensures the safety of passengers. In this case, the incident left a noticeable dent in the tail section of the aircraft.

Following the incident, the pilot immediately informed Air Traffic Control (ATC), who promptly cleared the aircraft to return to Delhi. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken serious measures in response to the incident. The regulator has suspended the two pilots involved and is conducting a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the tail strike. This marks the second tail strike incident involving IndiGo within the past two years. In 2023, a similar incident with an A321 aircraft resulted in a fine of ₹30 lakhs for the airline. The DGCA is also undertaking an audit of IndiGo’s operational procedures to address any systemic issues and prevent future occurrences.

The DGCA and Delhi airport authorities continue to investigate the incident to ensure safety and compliance with aviation regulations.