Video: SpiceJet Plane Catches Fire At Delhi Airport Within Hours Of Getting DGCA Clearance

As per initial reports, a SpiceJet Q400 aircraft under maintenance at the Delhi Airport, while carrying out engine ground run at idle power at bay, caught fire.

A Spicejet Bombardier Dash 8 - Q400 aircraft at the Delhi International Airport Terminal 1 caught fire during engine maintenance work. All aircraft and maintenance personnel are reported safe. As per initial reports, SpiceJet Q400 aircraft under maintenance, while carrying out engine ground run at idle power at bay, caught fire. The maintenance team observed fire warning on Engine No. 1. While aircraft fire extinguisher bottle was discharged, a fire brigade was called as well.

"On July 25, SpiceJet Q400 aircraft under maintenance, while carrying out engine ground run at idle power at bay, the AME observed fire warning on #1 Engine. Aircraft fire extinguisher bottle was discharged. As a precaution, fire brigade was called. Aircraft and maintenance personnel safe," a SpiceJet spokesperson said.

SpiceJet Q400 plane's engine catches fire at Delhi Airport pic.twitter.com/uyzq69qa9F — Zee News English (@ZeeNewsEnglish) July 25, 2023

The incident occurred on the day when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) took SpiceJet off the enhanced surveillance regime, put in place after serious safety concerns over the airline. 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) inspected a total of 23 aircraft and made 95 observations. It also conducted 51 spot checks of SpiceJet's aircraft across 11 locations in India.

“The findings were of routine nature and were not considered significant by DGCA. Suitable maintenance action was taken by the airline to address the findings in accordance with DGCA guidelines. As a consequence, Spicejet has been taken off the enhanced surveillance regime by DGCA,” the DGCA added.