DGCA grounds three planes of GoAir, Air India, private operator

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA) has ordered the grounding of three aircraft, belonging to Air India, GoAir and a nonscheduled operator, over safety issues ranging from loose bolts to crew who lacked proper training.

“These aircraft would be released only after their owners rectified the defects found. The two airlines and the private operator have also been asked to explain the reasons behind the defects,” said a DGCA official.

An Airbus A-320 of Air India was found to have not carried out a mandatory second check of the cowl or covering of the right-side engine, which was repaired several weeks ago for a dent. The carpets in the interior of the plane were damaged and torn, which could have affected smooth movement of passengers, especially in an emergency, the official said.