IndiGo Flight 6E 6542 Experiences Tail Strike at Bengaluru Amid Gusty Weather

On September 27 2026, IndiGo flight 6E 6542, an Airbus A321neo operating from Guwahati to Bengaluru, performed a go-around on its first approach to Kempegowda International Airport. During the second landing attempt the aircraft’s tail contacted the runway—a “tail strike.” The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury. The plane was subsequently grounded for maintenance checks.

IndiGo flight suffers tail strike during landing in Bengaluru, aircraft grounded IndiGo Flight Suffers Tail Strike In Bengaluru, Airline Blames Weather The HinduBusiness Standard (India)IndiGo Guwahati-Bengaluru flight suffers tail strike during second landing approach IndiGo flight suffers tail strike while landing in Bengaluru amid gusty weather conditions Hindustan TimesIndiGo A321 suffers tail strike during go around at Bangalore; plane lands safely in second attempt

The September 27 event is the latest in a series of tail-strike incidents involving IndiGo’s A321 fleet, bringing the count to at least nine known occurrences. Earlier this year, a separate IndiGo A321 suffered a tail strike during a go-around at Gorakhpur, prompting a precautionary landing and subsequent inspection. Airbus safety publications note that go-around maneuvers near the ground increase the risk of tail-strike on the A321, which has a smaller margin from the normal flare attitude compared with the A320.

IndiGo A321 suffers tail strike during go around at Bangalore; plane lands safely in second attempt

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Safety Report identifies tail strikes as the most frequent non-fatal incident worldwide in both 2024 and 2025, with nine reported events each year. Tail strikes accounted for 46 % of incidents involving the ATR 72 and Boeing 737NG families, and 69 % of tail-strike occurrences happened during landing phases. The Asia-Pacific region recorded the highest number of tail-strike events, with India among the most affected countries.

IndiGo A321 suffers tail strike during go around at Bangalore; plane lands safely in second attempt The HinduIndiGo flight suffers tail strike during landing in Bengaluru, aircraft grounded Hindustan TimesIndiGo Flight Suffers Tail Strike In Bengaluru, Airline Blames Weather Business Standard (India)IndiGo Guwahati-Bengaluru flight suffers tail strike during second landing approach

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident, citing standard operating procedures. An alternate aircraft was deployed for the subsequent Bengaluru-Coimbatore leg to avoid service disruption.

IndiGo Guwahati-Bengaluru flight suffers tail strike during second landing approach

• “In line with standard operating procedures, all relevant authorities were informed and the aircraft is undergoing maintenance checks,” — Bengaluru-bound IndiGo

IndiGo flight suffers tail strike during landing in Bengaluru, aircraft grounded

Repeated tail-strike incidents raise operational safety concerns for carriers using the A321 on high-density short-haul routes. The DGCA investigation will examine the interplay of gusty weather, pilot technique during go-arounds, and aircraft handling characteristics. Findings could influence future pilot training, operational guidelines for go-around procedures, and maintenance inspection protocols for the A321 fleet.

IndiGo A321 suffers tail strike during go around at Bangalore; plane lands safely in second attempt

All sources agree the tail strike occurred during gusty weather and a go-around, but the precise contribution of weather versus pilot handling remains unverified. No details on structural damage or the extent of inspections have been released, and the DGCA’s final report is pending.

IndiGo A321 suffers tail strike during go around at Bangalore; plane lands safely in second attempt

The DGCA investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected in the coming weeks. IndiGo has indicated the aircraft will resume service only after “securing necessary clearances” following maintenance inspections.

Hindustan Times