Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, May 22: The plane tragedy that occurred on May 22, 2010 completed 14 years on Wednesday May 22. While 158 people including passengers and crew perished in the ill-fated crash, only eight managed to survive.
A tribute ceremony was held at the park on the Kuloor-Tannirbhavi road, organized by the district administration in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the plane crash. Deputy commissioner (DC) Mullai Muhilan, district superintendent of police Ryshyanth C B and others were present.
It may be recalled, on May 22, 2010, at 6:20 am, the Air India Express flight from Dubai crashed at the Mangaluru Airport in Kenjar, near the airport terminal.
As the plane was landing, it overshot the runway, struck the signal tower, and then plunged down into a gorge beside the runway. Prior to this impact, the aircraft broke open at one place, causing 8 individuals to be thrown out. A young woman was trapped in the branches of trees. Of the 166 passengers on board, all 8 crew members and 158 passengers, including the young woman, lost their lives.
According to the analysis of the aircraft's black box, the accident occurred due to an error made by the chief pilot, Capt Zlatko Glusica. He decided to land the plane without considering the warning from co-pilot Capt Harbinder Singh Ahluwalia.