Jet Airways Crew Forget to Flip Switch, Air Pressure Drops Mid-Air

The Jaipur-bound flight returned to Mumbai midway after the crew forgot to maintain cabin pressure during take-off.

A Jet Airways passenger aircraft takes off from Ahmedabad Airport. Image used for representation.

(Photo: Reuters)

A Jet Airways aircraft, plying between Mumbai and Jaipur, had to return to Mumbai mid-flight on Thursday, 20 September, after cabin pressure dropped within the aircraft, causing several passengers to suffer nosebleeds, ear bleeding, and headaches.

The drop in cabin pressure was attributed to a fault by the cabin crew, who forgot to maintain the cabin pressure during take-off.

Speaking to Economic Times, an official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said:

“During climb, crew forgot to select bleed switch due to which cabin pressurisation could not be maintained. As a result, oxygen masks got deployed.”

The Mumbai-Jaipur flight was carrying 166 passengers and five crew members on board.

One Passenger Admitted

Close to 30 persons on-board the flight suffered nosebleeds, a few others suffered from ear bleeding and headaches, reported ET. The affected passengers were administered first aid, after which they were referred to doctors at the airport, the official added.

Meanwhile, one passenger has been admitted to a hospital for check-up, an official told PTI.

A middle-aged man was brought to Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital in suburban Vile Parle by Jet Airways officials.

"He has been admitted for audiometry test and the hospital will issue a health statement after some time," a spokesperson of the hospital said.

Crew Responsible for Mishap De-Rostered

Reacting to the incident, a spokesperson for the airlines said alternate arrangements were being made for the guests, while an investigation would be launched into the incident.

“The flight’s cockpit crew has been taken off scheduled duties pending investigation. The airline is making alternative flight arrangements for guests on this flight.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken cognisance of the incident and asked the DGCA to file a report on the issue immediately. The crew responsible for the mishap have reportedly been de-rostered.

Minister Suresh Prabhu Asks for Safety Audit

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu has directed the DGCA to prepare safety audit plan involving assessment of safety parameters of airlines, aerodromes, flying training schools and MROs (Maintenance, repair and overhaul) immediately.

Prabhu has asked for the safety audit to be commenced forthwith and a report to this effect to be submitted within 30 days. He has added that corrective action should be taken immediately on the deficiencies found out, if any, during such audit.