Pune, Apr 18 (PTI) A day after a frontline aircraft made a hard landing and damaged the runway at the Pune airport, disrupting the operations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday ordered a court of inquiry.
The fighter aircraft involved in the incident was a Sukhoi-30MKI, defence sources said, adding that the impact caused damage to the aircraft.
Twelve incoming flights were diverted and 73 flights cancelled following a temporary closure of the airport on Friday night. The operations resumed in the morning, authorities said.
"A court of inquiry has been established to probe the incident," IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Jaideep Singh told PTI.
Sources said that multiple factors are being examined, including a possible technical snag that may have led to the hard landing.
An expert said investigators will also assess whether the aircraft exceeded permissible vertical speed during landing and examine the altitude at which the pilot first sighted the runway.
Defence PRO (Southern Command) Ankush Chavan said airport operations have now returned to normal.
"Following the landing incident involving an IAF aircraft last night, operations have been restored to full normalcy. The IAF team at AFS Pune worked overnight in a coordinated manner to clear the runway and ensure safe resumption of flying operations," he said.
He added that the team used specialist expertise and indigenous mechanical resources to restore operations within a compressed timeframe despite challenging conditions.
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke said the aircraft developed an undercarriage-related technical issue during landing at around 10.25 pm on Friday, leading to runway blockage.
"As per SATCO, IAF, the aircraft became immobilised. Both pilots are safe. Due to the aircraft's position and damage, a NOTAM was issued for temporary runway closure till 5.30 am, later extended to 9 am to facilitate removal, inspection and restoration," he said.
Flight operations resumed on Saturday morning after the runway was cleared and declared operational.
The airport utilises a dual-use model, integrating civilian commercial operations with an active Air Force station.
Airport authorities said the closure significantly impacted operations, with 12 incoming flights diverted and 73 flights cancelled.