Mangaluru remembers tragic plane crash on 14th Anniversary

Team Udayavani, May 22, 2024, 8:25 AM IST

Mangaluru: Today marks the 14th anniversary of the tragic Mangaluru plane crash. On May 22, 2010, at 6:20 am, an Air India Express flight arriving from Dubai met with a catastrophic accident at Kenjar near Mangalore International Airport.

During landing, the plane overshot the runway, collided with the signal tower poles, struck power lines, and ultimately crashed into the Kenjar area where it exploded. Eight passengers were ejected from the aircraft when the door burst open after hitting a tree, with a young woman becoming entangled in the branches. Out of the 166 passengers on board, 158, including all eight crew members, perished in the blaze.

Analysis of the plane’s black box revealed that the chief pilot, Captain Zlatko Glusica, was responsible for the disaster. Despite warnings from the co-pilot, First Officer Ahluwalia, Captain Glusica proceeded with the landing, leading to the tragic outcome.

In memory of those who lost their lives, a tribute program will be held today at 9:30 am, organized by the district administration. The event will take place at the park near Tannirbavi Road.