Lightning Strike Damages IndiGo Aircraft on Patna-Lucknow Route, DGCA Orders Probe

The aircraft, operating flight 6E 625 on October 7, was carrying 104 passengers and six crew members. Despite the incident, it landed safely and arrived in Lucknow eight minutes ahead of schedule, with all passengers and crew members disembarking safely.

The aircraft was flying at around 17,000 feet when it encountered the lightning strike. IndiGo said the flight also faced unfavourable weather, including hail during the landing phase, which damaged the aircraft's radome, the protective structure covering its radar equipment.

Following the incident, the aircraft was grounded and will remain out of service until detailed inspections and necessary maintenance work are completed.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the incident. The aircraft will be allowed to return to service only after the required checks are completed and regulatory clearance is granted.

An IndiGo spokesperson said the airline immediately informed the relevant authorities after the aircraft landed safely. The airline added that the aircraft would undergo all necessary inspection and maintenance procedures before being cleared for further operations.

The incident comes shortly after another IndiGo aircraft was grounded following an occurrence during landing at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport.

Last month, an IndiGo flight operating from Guwahati to Bengaluru experienced a tail strike while landing at the airport amid gusty weather conditions. The airline described the occurrence as an abnormal runway contact involving an A321neo aircraft.

The aircraft was subsequently grounded while the airline and authorities assessed the damage and carried out the necessary inspections.