The private Airbus
corporate Jet Mukesh Ambani gifted to his beloved wife Nita on her birthday
seven years ago created a major scare at Mumbai airport on 10th November. The
aircraft repeatedly emitted “May Day Signal” (SOS signal emitted by an aircraft
in distress) to Mumbai air traffic control (ATC) tower.There was obvious panic
in the ATC tower after the first signal came just after 8.30 pm, with
controllers frantically contacting their Karachi ,
Muscat and Delhi
counterparts to find out what was happening.
The aircraft call sign and
registration number that accompanied the May Day Signal revealed that the
aircraft was Ambani’s personal business jet. The panic mounted when the second
May Day came 6 minutes later. This signal indicates that the aircraft is in an
emergency situation beyond control of pilots and that whoever is nearby should
rush for help.
The pilots have told the
airport authorities that they inadvertently switched on the emergency May Day
key, which they are not supposed to do. Based on the pilot’s testimony the ATC
has submitted its report to the DGCA. Now it is up to them to take further
action.
No action was taken so far.
Don’t expect the Government to take any action. It is the aircraft of our
darling Ambanis who shelled out money
for the present dispensation to come to power at the Centre and who fill the
coffers our Netas.