The fuselage of an Air India jet was damaged after the pilot was forced into a premature take-off during a runway incursion.
The pilot was forced to take evasive action after speeding down the runway at Pune Airport at 120 knots
A service vehicle identified as a jeep suddenly appeared on the runway.
By lifting the aircraft earlier than planned, the tail section of the A321 aircraft was damaged, although it landed safely in Delhi.
An investigation is underway jointly by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the civil aviation ministry, and the Indian Air Force which manages Pune Airport’s flight operations.
According to Air India spokesperson, Dhananjay Kumar, the aircraft was taken out of service for assessment and maintenance checks.
Cockpit flight audio recordings are being assessed.
