Air India Express Flight 1344

Air India Express Flight 1344 operated on August 7, 2020, as part of the Vande Bharat Mission, a large-scale repatriation effort by the Indian government. This mission aimed to bring back Indian nationals stranded internationally due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. While these flights were crucial for humanitarian reasons, they also operated under increased pressure and often in challenging logistical environments.

The flight originated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a major international hub, and was destined for Kozhikode (Calicut International Airport) in Kerala, India. The context of a mission focused on bringing people home, often under difficult circumstances, adds a layer of complexity to understanding the events that unfolded.

Upon approaching Kozhikode, Flight 1344 encountered severe weather conditions. The flight crew reported heavy rain and a significant tailwind, both of which are critical factors that can compromise aircraft stability and landing performance. The pilots, demonstrating adherence to safety protocols, made the professional decision to abort the initial landing attempt.

This is a standard procedure when landing conditions are deemed unsafe. They initiated a go-around, intending to reassess the situation and attempt a landing when conditions improved. However, the weather persisted, leading to a second aborted landing.

The decision to attempt a third landing under continued adverse conditions highlights the complex risk assessment pilots undertake, balancing the imperative to land safely with the operational demands of the mission.

Calicut International Airport is situated on a plateau, resulting in a 'tabletop' runway. This geographical feature means the runway is elevated, with steep drops on either side. Such runways require precise handling and careful speed management during landing and takeoff.

If an aircraft overshoots the runway or fails to decelerate adequately, it can slide off the edge and descend rapidly. Runway 10 at Calicut is particularly known for its challenging approach. The aircraft touched down on this runway, but the combination of the weather conditions, the aircraft's momentum, and the nature of the tabletop runway led to it skidding off the end.

It then slid down a slope of approximately 9-10.5 meters (30-35 feet).

The incident resulted in a tragic loss of life, with 19 passengers and both pilots succumbing to their injuries. This was the second fatal accident involving Air India Express, following the 2010 Mangalore crash, which also involved a tabletop runway. The survival of the 4 cabin crew members and 165 passengers, though many were injured, is a testament to the aircraft's structural integrity and the efforts of the emergency services.

Investigations into the accident would have focused on multiple factors, including pilot training, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control procedures, and the specific challenges posed by the airport's topography and the prevailing weather. The event underscored the critical importance of rigorous safety standards, continuous pilot training for challenging environments, and thorough risk assessments for airports with unique geographical features.