Mid-air scare: IndiGo flight develops cracks on cockpit windshield

An IndiGo aircraft flying from Tuticorin (TCR/VOTK) to Chennai (MAA/VOMM) on Monday landed safely after cracks were detected on one of its cockpit windowpanes, reportedly caused by extreme wind conditions.

The flight, operating as 6E 7606, was carrying 75 passengers when the issue was noticed. According to airport sources, the pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the cracks and declared an emergency, the aircraft was then given priority landing clearance. It touched down safely at Chennai airport and was later moved to Bay 51 for inspection.

In a statement, an IndiGo spokesperson confirmed the incident, describing it as a “maintenance requirement” detected before landing.

“Following standard operating procedures, the aircraft landed safely in Chennai and will resume operations only after all necessary checks and clearances. At IndiGo, the safety of our customers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline said.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: IndiGo

Code: 6E/IGO

Aircraft: ATR 72-600

Registration: VT-IRD

Serial Number: 1660

Engines: 2 x PWC PW127M

First Flew: 16 December 2020

Age: 4.10 Years

A similar incident occurred last week when an indigo flight 6E 7253 arriving from Madurai (IXM/VOMD) to Chennai (MAA/VOMM) developed a front glass crack just before landing. The aircraft, carrying 76 passengers, landed safely at 11:12 pm, after the pilot alerted ATC and safety measures were initiated.