An error by the crew led to depressurization inside the cabin of jet flight from Mumbai causing panic after take off and even nose bleeding forcing the aircraft to return to Mumbai.
A terrifying incident occurred on a Jet Airways flight with 166 passengers that took off from Mumbai on Thursday. Over 30 passengers suffered a nose-bleed while some had bleeding from the ear and many suffered headaches as the cabin pressure plunged mid-air after the flight 9W 697 crew forgot to switch the system that helps maintain cabin air pressure during take-off. The Jaipur bound flight had to air turn Mumbai.
Lalit Gupta, joint director general, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, "During climb, the crew forgot to select bleed switch due to which cabin pressurization could not be maintained" .
"As a result, oxygen masks got deployed. As per initial information, out of 166 people on board, 30 passengers have nose bleeding, few have ear bleeding and some are complaining of headache," he said.
Jet Airways expressed regret and said its cockpit crew had been "taken off scheduled duties pending investigations".
Jet Airways spokesperson said: "All guests were deplaned safely and taken to the terminal. First aid was administered to few guests who complained of ear pain, bleeding nose etc".
The affected passengers were taken to the airport terminals where they were provided first aid after the Boeing 737 landed.
Ministry of Civil Aviation has requested DGCA to file its report immediately on the issue.
(Featured image: Deccan Chronicle)
