An IndiGo aircraft operating from Patna to Lucknow was found to have sustained a damage to its nose section after a suspected hit by an object, which could include hailstones or ice chunks or a lightning strike mid-air at an altitude of nearly 17,000 feet. No official reason for the damage has been stated yet.
All passengers were reported safe. The aircraft has been grounded for a detailed technical inspection. Reports also mention that the aircraft experienced a strong jolt. some experts consider this highly unlikely While some crew members suggested a possible lightning strike.
Following the incident, IndiGo flight 6E925 landed at Lucknow airport with 104 passengers and six crew members on board around 4.05pm. Initial reports indicate that the pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) that an incident occurred at an altitude of approximately 17,000 feet during descent.
An airport spokesperson said the incident did not involve an emergency landing and the aircraft had completed its landing normally at Lucknow airport. Aircraft exteriors are specifically designed to withstand lightning: if lightning strikes, the electrical current passes safely along the outer skin of the fuselage and discharges into the air through the wings or tail, rather than penetrating inside, according to an expert.
The aircraft is undergoing a technical assessment by the airline’s engineering team. Further details about the extent and cause of the damage are expected after the inspection and investigation are complete.
