Avion Express A320’s Safe Return Amidst Muddy Runway Challenge

Aircraft is one of the primary objects for flying people in the air; however, making such aircraft is also challenging for aerospace manufacturers due to natural challenges in the air.

A recent incident involving an Avion Express Airbus A320 highlighted the robustness of these aircraft. On Saturday, 3rd February, flight X98242, operated by Avion Express, was en route from Milan Bergamo, Italy, to Vilnius, Lithuania.

During the landing in Vilnius, the A320 temporarily veered off the runway, navigating through dust and water before safely returning to the designated path and proceeding to the gate.

And on the ground, one of the viral videos shows an Airbus A320 rolling on a runway covered in dust and water, but it survives and returns to the runway, keeping the passenger sole in the aircraft.

The Airbus A320, despite its brief off-runway excursion, managed to arrive at the gate with a noticeable layer of mud and dirt. The aircraft, with 179 passengers and six crew members on board, faced challenging conditions as it entered mud and soft ground while its thrust reversers were still active. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew.

Vilnius Airport had to suspend operations for several hours following the incident. The Avion Express A320, bearing registration LY-NVL and nearly 13 years old, displayed signs of damage to the underside of its fuselage. Despite the apparent wear and tear, the aircraft’s ability to safely return to the runway showcased the effectiveness of both the Airbus A320 model and the skillful piloting by the flight crew.

This incident serves as a testament to the resilience of modern aircraft and the importance of well-trained pilots in managing unexpected challenges during landings. The aviation industry continues to prioritize safety and innovation to ensure that passengers can rely on air travel as a secure and efficient means of transportation.