What was supposed to be a routine flight turned into a heart-pounding mid-air scare when an IndiGo Airbus A320 carrying 169 passengers bound for Delhi had to make an emergency U-turn back to Patna just minutes after takeoff due to a suspected bird strike.
Flight 6E-2433 had barely ascended into the clear Bihar skies when a sudden thud jolted the aircraft. Passengers seated on the left side reportedly saw a bird hit the engine, followed by a momentary shake and a burning smell. While no fire was visible, tension soared inside the cabin as the aircraft began a rapid but controlled descent.
According to official sources, the pilot acted swiftly, reporting the incident to air traffic control and deciding to abort the flight mid-route. The flight had been airborne for approximately 14 minutes before returning to Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport.
🚨 “The Plane Shook, Then Turned Back”
“I was just about to sip my tea when the aircraft jolted. We thought it was turbulence. But then the captain’s calm voice informed us about a technical issue due to a bird hit. People went silent,” said Shweta Verma, a passenger seated near the emergency exit.
Crew members remained composed and followed safety protocol, asking passengers to fasten seatbelts and remain calm. The aircraft landed safely at 9:17 AM without any injuries or further complications.
🕵️ Inspection Confirms Bird Strike
Airport ground staff and technical inspectors immediately examined the aircraft upon landing. The inspection confirmed damage to the left engine fan blades, consistent with a bird impact.
IndiGo Airlines released a statement saying, “The flight returned to Patna as a precaution after a suspected bird hit. Passenger safety is our top priority. A replacement aircraft was arranged and the journey resumed within 3 hours.”
🐦 Bird Strikes: An Increasing Threat
Experts say bird strikes remain a serious aviation risk, especially in densely populated or poorly zoned urban areas like Patna, where landfills and open meat markets attract large flocks.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), over 2,600 bird strike incidents were recorded across India in 2023 alone, with most occurring during takeoff or landing—the most critical phases of flight.
“Pilots are trained for these situations, but each case is different. One unlucky hit in the wrong spot can disable an engine,” said aviation safety consultant Captain Rajeev Mehra.
👏 Passengers Praise Crew’s Calm Response
Social media lit up with reactions from onboard passengers praising IndiGo’s quick response and communication.
One post read: “Big salute to the pilot of 6E-2433. Cool under pressure. We landed safe. Could’ve been worse.”
Another added: “Kudos to the cabin crew who didn’t let panic spread. A scary moment handled like pros.”
The incident has rekindled conversations about the need for stricter bird hazard management around airports in India, especially those in tier-2 cities.