An IndiGo Airbus A321neo experienced a tail strike during its landing approach on Wednesday afternoon in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the aircraft being grounded at the Gorakhpur airport.
Flight 6E 2381 on the Delhi–Gorakhpur route was operated by an Airbus A321-252NX with the registration VT-ILR, an aircraft that IndiGo added to its fleet in August 2021.
The flight executed a go-around during its landing approach as a safety precaution. The aircraft later returned and completed a safe landing at Gorakhpur airport. All passengers and crew members disembarked without incident, the airline said in a statement reported by the Times of India.
Scratches observed during inspection
During a routine post-flight inspection of the APU inlet, scratches were detected. The aircraft is currently under maintenance and will return to service once all required clearances have been obtained.
What is APU?
The APU is a compact turbine engine that delivers electrical power when the main engines are not operating. It can also provide pneumatic air for engine startup and, when available, support cabin air-conditioning and other aircraft systems.
Aircraft awaits clearance
The aircraft is pending the necessary technical and regulatory approvals before it can be cleared for operation.