GUWAHATI: An Air India Express flight from Kochi to Abu Dhabi was forced to return to Cochin International Airport after the crew detected a rapid drop in oil quantity in one of its engines during the flight.
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According to reports, the aircraft was reportedly around 50 minutes into the journey and flying at an altitude of 36,000 feet when the pilots noticed that the oil quantity in Engine 1 was falling rapidly. The engine’s oil pressure subsequently entered the danger zone.
The crew carried out a FORDEC assessment to evaluate the situation and determine the safest course of action. As the oil quantity continued to decrease, the pilots decided to abandon the flight to Abu Dhabi and return to Kochi.
Engine 1 was later shut down after its oil pressure reached the danger zone. The Boeing 737 then continued its return journey using the remaining engine and landed safely at Cochin International Airport.
The pilots also had to manage the aircraft’s higher-than-normal landing weight. A single-engine approach while the aircraft is above its usual landing weight requires additional calculations and careful management of factors including aircraft performance and braking.
Passengers on board were reportedly unaware of the seriousness of the situation unfolding in the cockpit.
Official statements from Air India Express and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are awaited.