Major air tragedy averted, Emirates plane safely lands in Kochi
By ANISunday, April 25, 2010
KOCHI - A major air disaster was averted on Sunday morning when an Emirates aeroplane flying over Goa hit an air-pocket and landed safely at the Nedumbasserry International Airport in Kochi.
Passengers of the Emirates flight from Dubai to Kochi suffered anxious moments when their aircraft had a free fall of almost 18,500 feet in an air pocket.
An air pocket is a downward air current that causes an aircraft to lose altitude abruptly. It is a localised region of low air density or a descending air current, causing an aircraft to suffer an abrupt decrease in height.
The plane hit an air pocket during flight, and dropped from a height of 20,000 to 1,500 feet.
Fortunately, the pilot was miraculously able to regain control after dropping 18,500 feet and managed to right the plane just in time to land safely at Kochi.
The incident occurred at around 10.30 am and the Goa Air Traffic Control was the first to report the incident.
After the plane landed at the airport, a team of doctors examined all passengers.
Passengers suffered shock and bruises when the aircraft made the sudden descent in the air pocket.
The plane too suffered damages.
Emirates Airlines officials said they would issue a statement shortly. (ANI)
