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Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
What happened to the IndiGo flight which lost its nose in a hailstorm last month?
On the evening of May 21, IndiGo flight 6E 2142 flying from Delhi to Srinagar experienced extreme turbulence after it was caught in a severe hailstorm. Videos shared by the passengers revealed a scary situation, with the aircraft shaking violently amid flashes of lightning in the windows. And upon landing in Srinagar, it was discovered that a large part of the Airbus A321's nose cone had suffered significant damage due to the hail. We had a narrow escape from Delhi to Srinagar flight indigo. Special thanks to the captain and cabin crew. @indigo @GreaterKashmir @RisingKashmir — I_am_aaqib (@am_aaqib) May 21, 2025 'Flight 6E 2142 encountered bad weather and a hail storm and emergency was reported by the pilot to the ATC. However, the flight landed safely at Srinagar at 8.30 pm. All Aircrfthe inew and passengers are safe,' the spokesperson of the Srinagar Airport Authority said. Thunderstorms pose a grave risk to aircraft and can result in structural failure and loss of control (LOC) accidents. Pilots go to great lengths to avoid or deviate around storm clouds, unless inevitable. Here is everything to know. Thunderstorms are cumulonimbus (CB) clouds, thousands of feet tall and hundreds of miles wide. Some thunderstorm clouds rise over 50,000 ft, well above the maximum altitude an aircraft can climb, and far higher than the ceilings of most aircraft. Types of thunderstorms * Single-cell: The cumulonimbus formation contains only a single thunderstorm cell. The formation of a thunderstorm inside a CB cloud, its maturing and finally its dissipation constitute a cell. * Multi-cell: The cumulonimbus formation contains several thunderstorm cells at different stages of formation and maturation. * Squall line: A multi-cell thunderstorm in which the cells are arranged in a long line stretching hundreds of miles. * Super-cell: A super-cell is a rotating thunderstorm, the rotating movement caused by the presence of a mesocyclone, a rising vortex of air rotating around a vertical axis. Super-cells pack the most destructive weather for flying. * Embedded thunderstorms: Embedded inside ordinary cloud decks, these can be hard to spot visually or without weather radar. Why do thunderstorms pose a threat to aircraft? Thunderstorms pack severe turbulence, hail, heavy rain, icing, lightning, downbursts, microbursts, windshear, updrafts, tornadoes, gusty winds, and engines ingest a lot of water – all of which are a hazard to flying. A thunderstorm's destructive effects can be felt 10 to 20 nautical miles from its outer edges. * Ice accumulation on wings alters their aerodynamic properties and destroys 'lift', the aerodynamic force that keeps an aircraft aloft. Ice crystals can block pitot tubes, the nozzles near an aircraft's nose that feed air to the airspeed indicator. * Lightning can damage an aircraft's skin, communication antennas, electronic navigational equipment and magnetic compass. It can also leave the pilots temporarily blind. * Downbursts, microbursts and updrafts are powerful vertical columns of air moving up or down. An aircraft flying through a downburst, microburst or updraft loses or gains altitude rapidly without pilot inputs. * Windshear is a rogue wind that rapidly changes direction. An aircraft encounters both headwind and tailwind in a windshear. Close to the ground, windshear encounters have led to several fatal air crashes. It was hail that stole the nose cone of the IndiGo A320. In his classic book The Fate is the Hunter, American aviator Ernest K Gann compared his experience of getting caught in a hailstorm with being trapped in a 'tin can' with a 'thousand machine guns' pointed at the aircraft. How does a pilot account for a thunderstorm? A mere thunderstorm warning is not enough basis for an automatic no-go decision. If all pilots of all scheduled flights along a route with a thunderstorm warning were to take a 'no-go' decision outright, it would result in the cancellation of hundreds of flights and impact passengers and airlines. Before each flight, the pilot files a flight plan with the Air Traffic Control detailing all information about the flight: The destination, the aircraft operator, fuel, weight, route, flight time, alternate airports in case of diversion, winds aloft, airspace restrictions, weather en route and at destination (including thunderstorm warning). Thus, the pilot carefully studies the weather before taking a 'go' or 'no-go' decision regarding take-off, even choosing to cancel or delay the departure when necessary. A host of weather bureaus provide weather data to pilots. Aircraft today have onboard weather radar and datalink weather, making modern jets better-equipped to divert or deviate around storms. SIGMET, or Significant Meteorological Information, reports contain warnings about hazardous weather like thunderstorms, turbulence, icing and hail. Onboard weather radar is an effective tool for storm avoidance. Scanning for precipitation, it 'paints' a picture of the weather ahead on a screen in the cockpit: Black patches indicate very light precipitation, green patches indicate light precipitation, yellow medium precipitation, red heavy precipitation and magenta extreme precipitation or turbulence. However, it cannot detect a storm cell hiding behind heavy rain. Every Airbus aircraft is equipped with an Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor (ECAM), which displays engine and aircraft system information to pilots along with audio alerts, including system failures and corrective actions to be followed. The Airbus computer operates under three flight control laws. Essentially, when an Airbus is flying under Alternate or Direct Law, the flight is warning its pilots: 'Now be careful with what you do, as my ability to automatically keep the aircraft safe has been reduced.' The pilots of the IndiGo flight, 6E 2142, were confident they could steer the plane away from the path of the thunderstorm. To deviate, they first sought permission from the Indian Air Force's Northern Area Control Centre (NACC) to fly towards the India-Pakistan International Border (IB), which the IAF refused. The Indian Express had cited IAF sources who said that the NACC's directive was 'within the frame of the ban on Indian aircraft in Pakistani airspace'. A request to Lahore ATC to permit a brief entry into Pakistani airspace to bypass the storm was also turned down. The pilots considered turning back, since the flight was likely experiencing the effects of the thunderstorm. 'Crew initially attempted to turn back, but as they were close to the thunderstorm cloud, they decided to penetrate the weather,' the DGCA said in a statement. It is generally not recommended to turn back once inside a storm, as turns can overstress the airframe. Flying straight ahead and 'riding the storm' is the best bet to reach smooth air in minimum time. Inside the storm, the A320 was tossed up and down by severe updrafts and downdrafts, climbing and descending wildly on its own. A severe hailstorm pried out the nose cone protecting the weather radar, which is designed to detect inclement weather. This rendered the radar unusable, with the readings of cockpit gauges exceeding their design limits and likely becoming unreliable and unreadable. The IndiGo crew received multiple fault warnings about aircraft systems, including 'Angle of Attack' fault, 'Alternate Law' loss, unreliable speed, stall and overspeed warnings. It is likely that many of the warning messages the IndiGo pilots received were false alarms. But if they lost Alternate Law protection, it definitely increased their workload at a critical time. Despite the scary scenes, the loss of the aircraft's nose did not pose a direct threat to the passengers within the plane. The passenger cabin is essentially a sealed, pressurised tube, and the hole was outside of this area.
Mint
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
In first J&K visit post Pahalgam attack, PM Modi likely to flag off Vande Bharat train to Srinagar this weekend
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the Vande Bharat train, connecting Srinagar to national captial, on Saturday from Katra in Jammu. This will be Prime Minister Modi's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after 'Operation Sindoor', India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan launched in response to the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. 'The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will visit Jammu in the first week of June and will inaugurate the first Vande Bharat train to Kashmir,' senior BJP leader Ravinder Raina was quoted as saying by local daily Rising Kashmir. Raina, former J&K BJP President is also BJP National Executive Member. Earlier, the inauguration of the much-awaited train was scheduled for 19 April, however, it was postponed dur to bad weather. Three days later Pahalgam terror attack happened in Kashmir. Modi was scheduled to inaugurate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail Project (USBRL), the World's tallest Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Khad Rail Bridge on 19 April, besides flagging off the special Kashmir edition of Vande Bharat Express from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station to Srinagar. Raina told the Rising Kashmir news paer that the exact dates of PM Modi's visit are being finalised in coordination with security agencies. 'It is most likely that PM Modi will visit Jammu on June 6, 7, or 8,' he said. June 7, Saturday is also the day of Eid al-Adha, one of two major festivals of Muslims. Modi's scheduled visit to the Union Territory comes shortly after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's two-day tour last week. During the visit, Shah reviewed security arrangements and also visited Poonch where he met victims of cross-border shelling. The Katra to SrinagarVande Bharat Expresswill have features like heating systems, anti-spall layers, and automatic doors. The train is designed to operate smoothly in cold weather--down to minus 20 degrees Celsius. The Indian Railways had conducted a trial run of the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar on January 23 this year. The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat will run on the world's highest railway arch bridge and Anji Bridge constructed on the river Chenab in Reasi district. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla-Rail Project spans 272 km and includes 119 km of tunnels. Two iconic engineering marvels—the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, and the Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge—are part of this project. The Chenab Bridge is 467 metres high, making it 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8, the bridge posed significant engineering challenges due to its location in a high-seismic zone. Approved in 1994–95 and declared a National Project in 2002, the USBRL has been completed in phases. Key sections such as Qazigund–Baramulla (2009), Banihal–Qazigund (2013), Udhampur–Katra (2014), and Banihal–Sangaldan (2020) have already been commissioned. A trial run of MEMU trains was also successfully conducted last year on the electrified Reasi–Sangaldan section. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will visit Jammu in the first week of June and will inaugurate the first Vande Bharat train to Kashmir. Currently, train services in the Kashmir Valley are operational only on the Sangaldan–Baramulla section, while long-distance trains terminate at Katra, Jammu.
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Leading newspapers in Kashmir print front page black to condemn Pahalgam terror attack
Leading English and Urdu language newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir printed their front pages in black to protest the terror attack that killed 26 innocent civilians in Pahalgam. Publications including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab and Taimeel Irshad changed their formats to strike a symbolic message to the masses. The publications also carried powerful headlines in white or red as a powerful public display of solidarity and grief with those affected by the attack. Follow live updates on Pahalgam terror attack Rising Kashmir's lead headline in white read, 'TERROR STRIKES PAHALGAM,' with a subhead, '27 civilians, mostly tourists, massacred in deadly terror attack.' The letter 'O' in the word 'TERROR' was printed as an image of a bleeding gunshot wound. Greater Kashmir printed 'Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving,' in white on a black layout. The subhead printed in red read, '26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.' Also read | Omar Abdullah hails slain 'ponnywallah' who tried snatching rifle from terrorist to save tourists The paper also carried an editorial with the headline 'The massacre in the meadow - Protect Kashmir's soul.' The column said the attack has cast a dark shadow over J-K, a region striving to reclaim its legacy as a 'Paradise on Earth.' 'This heinous act is not merely an assault on innocent lives but a deliberate blow to Kashmir's identity and values -- its hospitality, its economy, and its fragile peace. Kashmir's soul stands in unequivocal condemnation of this brutality and offers heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, who sought beauty but found tragedy,' the editorial read. Also read | 'He lived a good life': Wife of Navy officer who died in Pahalgam attack The publication noted that terrorists could strike a high-traffic tourist spot, which is accessible only on foot or by pony. The editorial said the attack 'signals a need for sharper intelligence and tighter coordination among agencies, the paper called for proactive measures -- enhanced vigilance, community engagement, and uprooting terrorism -- which are imperative to prevent such horrors from recurring.' 'Kashmir's people have endured violence for too long, yet their spirit remains unbroken. This attack must not sow division but unite us in defiance of terror. We urge all -- government, security forces, civil society, and citizens -- to forge a collective front,' it said.
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Business Standard
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Black front pages, valley shutdown as Kashmir protests Pahalgam attack
Several newspapers across Kashmir on Wednesday printed their front pages entirely black as a gesture of mourning and protest against the brutal terrorist attack that claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam a day earlier. This is also the first time in 35 years that the Kashmir Valley saw a complete shutdown in protest of the Pahalgam terror attack. Kashmiri newspapers print black pages Leading English and Urdu dailies such as Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab, and Taimeel Irshad set aside their usual formats in a symbolic act of solidarity with the victims, condemning the violence. The papers were printed with white or red headlines against black backgrounds, reflecting the sorrow and outrage of the region. ALSO READ | 'Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving', read the front page of Greater Kashmir, accompanied by a poignant subheadline in red: '26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam'. Its editorial titled 'The massacre in the meadow – Protect Kashmir's soul' described the incident as not only an assault on lives, but a strike at the very identity and values of the region, which are based in its hospitality, peace, and economy. Shops, petrol stations, and other commercial establishments remained closed in Srinagar, except for those selling essentials. Public transport was limited, although private vehicles continued to operate. All private schools across Jammu and Kashmir were closed for the day, and Kashmir University postponed scheduled exams. Government schools, however, remained open. Political parties, trade groups back shutdown Several political parties and organisations backed the shutdown, including the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples' Conference, and Apni Party. The Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU), led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also called for a peaceful protest. Tourism and trade associations such as the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation voiced their outrage and stood in support of the bandh. KTMF strongly condemns the tragic senseless incident at Pahalgam. Violence has no place in our society,peace and safety must prevail for all. We stand united in grief and pray for peace to prevail in the region. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. — Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) (@KTMF16) April 22, 2025 ALSO READ | UP police on high alert after Pahalgam terror attack; security stepped up Security heightened in Pahalgam Security has been significantly heightened across the region. Armed forces were deployed at sensitive locations, tourist hubs, and key infrastructure points. Checkpoints were set up across Srinagar and other district centres, with thorough vehicle and pedestrian checks underway. A massive search operation is also ongoing in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam to trace those responsible for the attack, as additional forces have been stationed at the popular tourist destination to prevent any further incidents.
News18
23-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
Kashmir Newspapers Print Front Page Black To Protest Pahalgam Terror Attack That Killed 26 People
Published By : The striking act of protest by the newspapers, each bearing powerful headlines in white or red, was a powerful public display of solidarity and grief. Several prominent newspapers in Kashmir on Wednesday printed their front pages black to protest the brutal terrorist attack that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead in the Pahalgam hill resort the previous day. The striking act of protest by the newspapers, each bearing powerful headlines in white or red, was a powerful public display of solidarity and grief, symbolising the collective sorrow felt by the residents and the media over the inhuman act. The change in format by leading English and Urdu dailies, including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Uzma, Aftab and Taimeel Irshad, serves as a stark reminder of the violence that has plagued the region for decades. 'Gruesome: Kashmir Gutted, Kashmiris Grieving", screamed the headline of leading English daily Greater Kashmir in white on a black layout, followed by the subhead '26 killed in deadly terror attack in Pahalgam" in red. The paper's front-page editorial with the headline 'The massacre in the meadow – Protect Kashmir's soul" said the attack has cast a dark shadow over J-K, a region striving to reclaim its legacy as a 'Paradise on Earth". 'This heinous act is not merely an assault on innocent lives but a deliberate blow to Kashmir's identity and values — its hospitality, its economy, and its fragile peace. Kashmir's soul stands in unequivocal condemnation of this brutality and offers heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, who sought beauty but found tragedy," the editorial said. Highlighting the fact that terrorists could strike a high-traffic tourist spot, accessible only by foot or pony, signals a need for sharper intelligence and tighter coordination among agencies, the paper called for proactive measures — enhanced vigilance, community engagement, and uprooting terrorism — which are imperative to prevent such horrors from recurring. 'Kashmir's people have endured violence for too long, yet their spirit remains unbroken. This attack must not sow division but unite us in defiance of terror. We urge all — government, security forces, civil society, and citizens — to forge a collective front. 'Only through unwavering resolve can we protect our land's future, ensuring that Pahalgam's meadows echo with laughter, not gunfire, and that Kashmir remains a beacon of peace and prosperity," the editorial said. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) First Published:
