Plane hits dog, skids off runway

Bangalore: Passengers and crew members on board the Hyderabad-bound Kingfisher Airlines aircraft had a miraculous escape on Thursday night when the ATR 72-500 skidded on the runway at the HAL airport here.
While the pilot said the aircraft hit a dog on the runway, airport sources said the aircraft was yet to gain velocity for take-off when the nose wheel broke and it skidded. At least four passengers were injured .The runway was closed for over three hours, causing flight delays and diversions. The incident occurred between 9.37 and 9.45 p.m. when the aircraft with 25 passengers and four crew members aboard was preparing to take off. Captain Mmopi was the main pilot.
According to the commander, a black dog crossed the runway while the aircraft was on its take-off roll and because the runway was dimly lit, the crew did not notice the animal till it was too late to take evasive action.
A Kingfisher release said: “..Two guests stumbled and sustained sprain while all the others are safe. The injured were treated at a nearby hospital and discharged.” The aircraft has been disabled and will have to be jacked up and towed off the runway.
Top officials rushed to the spot to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
28/03/08 The Hindu

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Categories: Airports Mar 2008, Kingfisher Mar 2008, Safety Mar 2008