‘There was an Uncomfortable Rumbling Before Landing’: Survivor

Sixteen survivors of the air crash are still in critical condition.

Air India flight (IX-1344) from Dubai carrying 184 passengers skidded during landing at Karipur Airport in Kozhikode, Kerala on Friday, 7 August.

(Photo: The Quint)

“We could hear some rumbling before the landing itself. It was not something we have heard while travelling in an aircraft before. I was very anxious. I felt a moment of relief when the aircraft touched down, but within no time the aircraft lost control.”

Fathima, a resident of Ramanattukara in Kozhikode district, is one of the survivors of the air crash at the Kozhikode airport 7 August. Recalling tragic moments before the crash, Fatima said she was seated in the front of the aircraft along with her mother and daughter.

Even though the aircraft circled a couple of times before landing, she didn’t find it odd since she was aware of the heavy rain in Kerala.

“Immediately after landing, the aircraft crashed. That’s all I remember. After that, I was trapped inside the plane. I was inside the flight for a while and I could sense the temperature inside rising. It is only now (after hospitalisation) I’m learning about the deaths,” she added.

No Communication from Pilot’s Cabin

Two other survivors of the crash said that apart from a landing announcement, there was no other communication from the pilot’s cabin. “There were no announcements about what was happening. There was a lot of rumbling and within seconds everything was over,” said Riyaz, a resident of Balussery.

Riyaz further added that since he was seated next to the emergency exits, he was able to quickly jump out of the aircraft and run towards safety. Although he had run in a different direction, with the help of local residents he was able to find rescue workers.

Another passenger, Fayaz said that the seat in front of him was positioned in a way that he was unable to move for close to one and a half hours. “I was at the rear of the aircraft and I was stuck there for a while before I was rescued. Now I am under observation,” he said.