24/06/2025
Yesterday, my daughter and I flew from Kozhikode to Chennai on IndiGo flight 6E 7373. During boarding, I noticed that a component appeared to be missing from the air inlet of the aircraft’s air-conditioning system.
What concerned me even more, however, was the visible corrosion on the aircraft’s airframe, as shown in the attached image.
Since there was turbulence during the flight due to bad weather, the squeaky noises inside, loose panels, broken window shades etc. made the flight a real adventure for us.
Anyway, I shared the image that I took after landing in Chennai with a friend of mine who is an airline expert and below are his observations:
Corrosion and Its Dangers to Aircraft
- Weakens the Structure:
Corrosion, including rust, damages the metal parts of an aircraft. Over time, it eats away at the surface, making the structure weaker and more likely to fail.
- Higher Risk of Cracks:
Damaged areas from corrosion are more likely to develop cracks. These cracks can grow and cause serious problems, especially under the stress of flying.
- Unsafe to Fly:
If corrosion becomes severe, the aircraft may be declared unairworthy—meaning it's not safe to operate until it's repaired.
- Damage to Important Parts:
Corrosion doesn't just affect the frame. It can also harm key components like the landing gear, control surfaces, and electronic systems.
- System Malfunctions:
It can cause problems in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, increasing the risk of unexpected failures during flight.
- More Expensive Repairs:
Finding and fixing corrosion takes time, special skills, and money. It can lead to longer periods when the aircraft is out of service.
NB : THE CORROSION WAS VISIBLE BECAUSE A COMPONENT WAS MISSING! I FEEL THIS AIRCRAFT NEEDS A THOROUGH INSPECTION, NOT JUST REPLACING THE MISSING COMPONENT.
