Tension gripped the skies over eastern Nepal when Turkish Airlines flight THY-727 encountered a mid-air crisis mere minutes into its Istanbul-bound journey. Departing Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, the Boeing wide-body jet signaled distress to air traffic control due to flames erupting in its right engine.
Carrying 225 passengers alongside 11 crew, the flight’s 236 souls were safely delivered to Kolkata after a masterful single-engine landing. The pilot’s call came at 13:38, escalating to a full emergency declaration as fire-fighting measures were enacted onboard.
Crew members weighed critical choices: looping back to Kathmandu or heading to Bhairahawa. However, with the plane compromised for extended flight, Kolkata emerged as the optimal haven, roughly 400 kilometers away. En route, updates confirmed fire suppression by 13:51, allowing a stable approach.
Kolkata airport authorities mobilized rapidly, lining runways with foam trucks and ambulances. The touchdown was flawless, evacuating everyone unscathed amid brief pandemonium. The plane now sits grounded for meticulous checks by technicians, as regulators probe the engine malfunction’s roots.
Aviation experts praise the response, highlighting adherence to protocols that prevented disaster. Passengers, though rattled, express relief, with airlines arranging accommodations and rerouting. This episode serves as a stark reminder of aviation’s razor-thin safety margins.
