Surat, 7 November, 2014

A Delhi-bound Spicejet aircraft, with about 140 passengers onboard, hit a stray animal on the runway at Surat airport few seconds just before take-off on Thursday. Considering the stray-animal menace, SpiceJet has also decided to suspend its services on Surat Airport for an indefinite period.

“A Surat-to-Delhi SpiceJet aircraft, flight number SG 622, carrying around 140 passengers excluding crew members today hit a stray animal on take-off roll at Surat Airport,” said Siddharth Kumar, an airline’s spokesperson.

All passengers and crew members are safe and will be provided an alternative arrangement soon, Kumar said.

“All SpiceJet flights from Surat to be indefinitely suspended after one of our aircraft hit a large stray animal on take-off toll today. Suspension will be effective as soon as possible,” Kumar said.

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The incident happened at 7.10 pm on Thursday. Front wheel had left the touch of land when this incident occurred. When pilot stopped aircraft at such a crucial stage, the plane escaped the runway and went to bushes situated outside the runway. Little buffalo that hit the plane died on the spot.Pilot and co-pilot came onborad and informed passengers about what happened. Airport Authority officials rushed to the plane. All passengers were taken to waiting room till the time another plane arranged. Engine of plane was fine internally, but external portion of fan has suffered damage.