An Alliance Air ATR aircraft landed safely at Bhuj from Mumbai after a part of the engine cowling fell down during take-off on Wednesday morning. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an inquiry to fix responsibilities for lapses. The cowling was recovered alongside the runway after the flight took off. The four-year-old aircraft had around 70 passengers on board.

The incident happened on Wednesday morning and was brought to the notice of  airport authorities by a Mumbai Air Traffic Controller (ATC). Subsequently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) started an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, officials said that  Mumbai ATC informed the airport that Alliance Air ATR aircraft, operating flight 91-625 (Mumbai-Bhuj) took off without the left engine cowling (cover.

Visuals of the aircraft, which were shared on social media,  showed an exposed engine of the flight as the cowling, the removable outer part of the engine fell off on the runway.The aircraft, VT-RKJ took off from Mumbai airport at about 6.30 am. Later, the airline's engineering team reached the site and retrieved the engine cover from the runway. Flying without engine cowling may have an aerodynamic effect leading to marginal deterioration in the aircraft's performance, the official said.

Expressing regret at the unfortunate incident, the airline in a statement said that during the operation of Alliance Air flight 9I-625 from Mumbai to Bhuj on February 9, the panel of the engine cowl was found on the runway post take off.  "We have taken strict note of the incident and a thorough investigation has been initiated. The findings of the same shall be shared with the regulatory authorities and we shall ensure that all required corrective actions are put in place," the airline said.

It also said that "we are grateful that all passengers and crew onboard the flight safely landed and there was no damage to the aircraft due to this unfortunate incident.”  Alliance Air said, it follows laid down policies/ procedures as per the regulatory authorities.