A Patna-Delhi SpiceJet flight (Boeing 737-800) made an emergency landing soon after take-off on Sunday as a fire was reported at the plane. According to reports, the engine of the plane caught fire and was first noticed by local people. The DGCA said the plane was hit by a bird and one engine got shut. Over 180 passengers were on board and there has been no report of any injury. Watch | Smoke from Delhi-Patna SpiceJet flight as it makes emergency landing
Patna DM Chandrashekhar Singh said, “The Delhi-bound flight had returned to Patna airport after locals noticed a fire in the aircraft and informed district and airport officials. All 185 passengers were safely deboarded. Reason for the fire is a technical glitch. The engineering team is analysing,” Singh said.
Spicejet spokesperson said after the take-off when the flight was rotating, the cockpit crew suspected that a bird hit the engine. “As a precautionary measure and as per SOP, the Captain shut down the affected engine and decided to return to Patna. The aircraft landed safely in Patna and passengers were safely deboarded,” it said.
