Overview of the Incident
On November 25, 2024, a significant incident occurred at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi involving a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380, registered as 9V-SKR. After completing a routine five-hour flight from Singapore’s Changi International Airport (Flight SQ406), the aircraft unexpectedly rolled backward upon reaching its parking stand. Preliminary reports suggest that the incident was due to a failure by the crew to properly engage the parking brakes.
Details of the Rollback Event
The aircraft initially stopped at its designated parking bay but began to roll backwards shortly thereafter. The quick actions of the pilots to apply the parking brakes prevented any further movement, and the aircraft was subsequently towed back to its correct position by ground services using a tug. This incident resulted in a minor bruise to one cabin crew member, who received immediate medical attention and was cleared to continue her duties.
Response from Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines swiftly responded with a statement addressing the incident, emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew remains their highest priority. The airline confirmed that all passengers disembarked safely without any injuries. They apologized for any inconvenience caused and reassured that measures are in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Technical Aspects and Safety Protocols
Following standard aviation procedures, aircraft are expected to engage hydraulic pressure within the braking system before setting the parking brakes. Additionally, ground crews typically place chocks under the aircraft’s wheels to secure it against unintended movements. The incident raises questions about adherence to these safety protocols and the effectiveness of current training for flight and ground personnel.
Potential Impact and Ongoing Investigations
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about airport safety and operational protocols. While the airport authorities at Delhi have not issued a formal statement, there are indications that an investigation may be forthcoming to further examine the circumstances of the rollback and to evaluate procedural adherence by the involved crew members.