Mumbai, India: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued its preliminary report on July 21, 2025 runway excursion involving an Air India Airbus A320-neo at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, offering the first official account of what caused the aircraft to veer off course upon landing.
According to the report, Air India flight AI 2744 was operating from Kochi to Mumbai with 182 people on board including two pilots and five cabin crew when it touched down during heavy rainfall but failed to stay on the runway centerline. Investigators said the aircraft’s right-hand main wheels and nose gear entered the grassy area adjacent to the runway before the crew was able to steer it back onto the paved surface.
Despite the excursion, the aircraft maintained control and continued taxiing under its own power to parking bay K5L, where passengers disembarked safely. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
The AAIB report detailed significant damage to the aircraft’s undercarriage and engine cowling. Three main tyres numbers 2, 3, and 4 were found deflated with cut marks, likely caused by contact with uneven ground. The right engine fan cowl showed cuts on both sides, while investigators also noted grass ingestion in both main landing gear assemblies and the nose landing gear.
The report highlights adverse weather conditions as a contributing factor. Mumbai was experiencing intense monsoon rainfall at the time of landing, which likely reduced runway friction.
Airport officials briefly suspended operations following the incident to conduct runway inspections, after which flight movements resumed. Air India deployed maintenance teams to tow the aircraft to its hangar for detailed inspection and repairs. The final investigation report is yet to be released.
