SpiceJet Flight from Delhi to Pune Returns to Origin Because of Radar Failure Warning

Yesterday, a SpiceJet aircraft had to return to Delhi Airport after takeoff because of a technical issue. The pilots received a warning in the cockpit instruments, signaling at malfunction or failure in the radar system. Let us take a look at the incident in detail.

SpiceJet Flight Returns to Delhi

A SpiceJet Boeing 737 MAX 8 registered as VT-MXD was scheduled to operate flight SG 8938 from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Pune International Airport (PNQ). The aircraft was scheduled to depart from Delhi Airport at 04:45 PM. However, after the boarding process was completed, the passengers had to sit inside the aircraft for around an hour. The aircraft finally departed at 05:52 PM.

After takeoff, the pilots noticed a technical issue with the aircraft. The cockpit instruments showed a radar failure annunciation warning, which means a malfunction or failure of radar. Hence, they decided to return to Delhi.

After passing over the Khairthal region, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 turned towards its designated holding area. During this course of flight, it achieved a maximum altitude of 16,000 ft. It entered into a holding pattern to burn fuel. The aircraft, which departed Delhi Airport at 05:52 PM landed back safely after being airborne for more than an hour at 07:00 PM.

Airline Arranged Different Aircraft

SpiceJet operates three services from Delhi to Pune. This one, SG 8938 is the final service of the day. Hence, the airline decided to find an alternative aircraft to transport stranded passengers to Pune.

Finally, VT-SYZ, a Boeing 737-800NG flew the passengers to their destination. The aircraft departed from Delhi Airport at 10:20 PM. Passengers, who were expected to reach Pune Airport by 06:30 PM reached at 11:59 PM.

When Times of India reached out to SpiceJet for a statement, an airline spokesperson confirmed the incident stating that a radar failure warning prompted the pilots to return back to Delhi. An alternative aircraft was arranged for the affected passengers. However, he refuted the allegations of keeping passengers inside the aircraft. He said that as soon as boarding was completed, the aircraft started the taxiing phase.

Aircraft Involved

The aircraft involved in this incident is a Boeing 737 MAX 8 registered as VT-MXD. This aircraft was one of the first Boeing 737 MAX jets delivered to Indian carriers. Delivered in November 2018, the aircraft is 5.7 years old.

SpiceJet names its aircraft behind spices. This particular aircraft has been named Cinnamon. Between March 2019 and November 2021, it was parked because of the global grounding of MAX jets. In November 2023, it was painted in Danube Properties special colors.

After landing at Delhi airport, the engineering staff looked into the issue and repaired the aircraft. Following this, the aircraft operated a sector from Delhi to Bengaluru and back. Currently, it is at Srinagar Airport.

Conclusion: SpiceJet B737 MAX Returns to Delhi

A radar failure annunciation prompted the pilots of a SpiceJet Boeing 737 MAX to return to Delhi Airport. The 737 MAX was flying from Delhi to Pune. After being airborne for more than an hour, the aircraft returned to its origin. The airline arranged an alternative aircraft. Passengers reached to their destination after a delay of almost five hours and 30 minutes.

Have you ever witnessed such delays? Discuss in the comment section.