CoI public hearing reveals several shortcomings at airport

CoI public hearing reveals several shortcomings at airport

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 22: The 3-day Court of Inquiry (CoI) public hearing, conducted to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragic plane crash of May 22, has revealed several shortcomings at the Mangalore International Airport.

Captain Ron Nagar, a CoI assessor, pointed out that part of the runway was cracked at the landing threshold and that its epoxy coating had worn off. He said that the runway has to be repaired immediately.

Babu Peter, another assessor, said that mining activities in the vicinity of the airport have to stop because it might erode the base of the hill atop which the airport is located. In spite of Airport Director Mr. Vasudeva’s pleas, the authorities concerned have not responded favorably. He said that the issue will be taken seriously and the mining activities will be stopped.

A Met official said that the ATC tower should be 5m higher than its present height to give it a 360 degree view of the new as well as old runways. The airport’s Met office has complained of poor view especially during monsoons and has demanded better facilities.

The Mangalore International Airport also lacks crash trolleys to remove disabled aircraft from the runways. The closest airport with such facilities is the Mumbai airport.