KATHMANDU, Nov 28: Buddha Air's aircraft overshot the runway at Chandragadhi Airport in Bhadrapur, Jhapa, during a landing at around 7 PM on Monday. According to Kishore Kumar Khatri, the airport information officer, the incident occurred when a fox was spotted on the runway during the final stages of landing.
Khatri informed the media that standard procedures dictate that if animals or suspicious objects, such as foxes or dogs, are seen on the runway, the area must be cleared before allowing aircraft to land. In this case, the aircraft executed a "missed approach" as the runway was being cleared, ensuring a safe landing. This precautionary measure took approximately 10 minutes.
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Despite the challenges posed by night-time operations governed by Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the aircraft received clearance for landing and touched down safely. The Air Traffic Controller (ATC) at the airport, upon spotting the fox, requested the pilot to perform a missed approach.
To rectify the situation and make the runway operational again, police personnel and vehicles were mobilized. Khatri emphasized the airport staff's commitment to ensuring safety by conducting thorough runway checks before takeoff and landing.
"We are aware that there is some discomfort due to the night flight; airport staff are checking the runway before takeoff and landing. We are all responsible for a safe flight," stated Information Officer Khatri.
