Mangalore air Crash : India's worst air disaster in a decade

According to Airline sources, Black Box of the crashed Air India Express aircraft has been recovered.

The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) of the illfated Air India Express plane were recovered earlier from the crash site and are expected to provide vital clues about the cause of the accident that left 158 passengers and crew dead.

Hundred fifty-eight persons were killed in India's worst air disaster in over a decade. The Air India Express flight, a plane of Air India's low budget carrier was flying from Dubai to Mangalore with 160 passengers and six crew members on board. (First pics of crash)

On landing the plane overshot the runway, went down a ravine and burst into flames. (Watch | Read: 1 in 4 air crashes during landing: Analysis)

Eight persons miraculously survived the crash after the two-and-a-half-year-old Boeing 737-800 with an experienced Serbian pilot in command missed the touchdown area at the 8,000-feet 'table top' runway at Mangalore's Bajpe airport. (Read: Miraculous escape for eight)

Reports indicate the pilot missed the landing spot and flew beyond the touchdown point. In fact, he over shot by over 2,000 feet, which is almost unprecedented. (Pics: What went wrong)

He then reportedly tried to stop by hard braking. It was at this time that the tyres burst. The plane veered violently, and on the way hit an antenna at the edge of the runaway. At this point, the plane broke and split up at the edge of the runway. (Watch: Relatives rush to Air India office in Dubai)

Some lucky ones were thrown out possibly close to the tarmac area. These eight were fortunate to survive. (See: Passenger list) (Read: Over 50 air crash victims believed to be Keralites)

"The tyre burst the moment the plane landed. There was no scope for escape. The tyre burst the moment the plane landed and overshot the runway and crashed into the forest. Within a few seconds there was a blast. There was smoke. I saw some trees and managed to get out of the plane. Another passenger was trying to escape. I tried to help him out by pushing him out, but he got stuck in the cable. Our hands and faces caught fire. I somehow managed to get out. Some locals helped me reach the hospital. I think there was a problem with the runway. The runway is not smooth because of which the flight shook on landing," said a survivor. (Watch: Tyre burst upon landing, says survivor) | (Survivor list)

Seconds later the plane fell into the valley and caught fire. It was 6:05 am.

Then it was simply impossible for anyone to get out. Soon after, Mangalore air officials and nearby villagers rushed to the spot to help survivors. (Read: All dead bodies recovered)

Some were rescued, but for most it was too late. (Watch: Villagers come to the rescue)

Mangalore airport shut down immediately and the entire administration began rescue and relief operations. The helpline numbers for Mangalore are 0824-2220422, 2010167. (Read: Flight operations resume at Mangalore airport)

Air India opened a helpline centre at Delhi Airport. The numbers are 011-25656196, 25603101.

The Mangalore airport is considered tricky for aircraft landings and take offs, particularly in the rainy season because it is what is called a 'table top' airport. (Read: What is a table-top airport? | Watch: Can't doubt airport safety, says Ex-DGCA)

Courtesy:

NDTV