Turkish Airlines Flight Diverts to Kolkata for Emergency Landing After Engine Fire Warning
A Turkish Airlines flight operating from Kathmandu to Istanbul was forced to make an emergency landing at Kolkata's airport on Wednesday afternoon, following a critical engine fire warning that prompted swift action from the cockpit crew. The aircraft, carrying 236 passengers and 11 crew members, landed safely using only one engine, with no injuries reported among those on board.
Timeline of the Emergency Incident
The flight, identified as TK-727, departed from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at 1:29 pm local time. Shortly after takeoff, during the initial climb phase, the aircraft's monitoring systems triggered a master warning light accompanied by audible chime alarms. A red alert message reading 'ENG 2 FIRE' appeared on the screen, indicating a potential fire in the right engine.
Acting promptly, the captain shut down the affected engine to prevent any escalation of the situation. The plane then communicated with Kathmandu Air Traffic Control (ATC), informing them that it would enter a holding pattern to the west of Kathmandu to assess the severity of the issue.
Decision to Divert to Kolkata
After conducting necessary checks, the cockpit crew confirmed suspicions of a possible fire in the starboard-side engine. They declared a PAN PAN emergency, an international signal used for serious situations requiring immediate assistance but not posing an imminent threat to life. With only the left engine operational, the pilots determined that continuing the nine-hour journey to Istanbul was unsafe.
Although options to return to Kathmandu or divert to Bhairahawa were available, the crew opted for a more cautious approach, choosing to land at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. This decision was relayed to Kolkata ATC via Kathmandu ATC, and the flight captain directly requested permission to divert, executing a U-turn to head in a south-easterly direction.
Emergency Landing Procedures in Kolkata
When the emergency message was received, the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 20,000 feet and had crossed Janakpur near the Indo-Nepal border. Upon approval from Kolkata ATC, a full emergency landing protocol was activated. Given the potential fire risk in the right engine, airport authorities deployed four specialized crash tenders and three ambulances as a precautionary measure.
The flight was granted priority landing as it approached Kolkata. During its descent onto the runway, the emergency vehicles followed closely in a hot pursuit. Fortunately, no visible signs of fire or smoke were observed from the engine. India's aviation ministry later stated in an official release, "TK-727 reported fire under control at 1:51 pm and proceeded to Kolkata with one engine failure."
Aftermath and Passenger Arrangements
After the aircraft came to a halt in a remote bay designated for the flight, all passengers were safely evacuated. Engineers immediately moved in to inspect the engine for damage. The 10-year-old aircraft, equipped with twin General Electric engines, remains grounded pending further investigation.
International passengers on board were issued temporary immigration permits to facilitate their stay in Kolkata. If the plane remains grounded, Turkish Airlines has committed to arranging accommodation for affected travelers. Additionally, the airline has scheduled a replacement flight for Thursday, departing at 6 am after arriving at 4 am, to ensure minimal disruption to passengers' travel plans.
This incident highlights the critical importance of swift decision-making and adherence to safety protocols in aviation emergencies, ensuring the well-being of all individuals involved.
