Boeing 737-8HG (WL)

Air India Express

Air India Express flight IX712 from Muscat to Kannur, operated by a Boeing 737-800, VT-AXR, was severely damaged following a aborted takeoff after the crew lined up the aircraft on the right runway edge lights. The aircraft lined up runway 26L from taxiway E7 at 21:32 in night time conditions but aligned with the right hand edge lights and commenced takeoff destroying a number of edge lights in the process. Following a loud bang and a master caution indication the crew rejected takeoff and stopped on the runway. The aircraft became disabled with a hydraulic leak from system A and a flat tyre. Passengers and crew disembarked onto the runway. The OTSB rated the occurrence an accident and an investigation will be conducted.