CHENNAI: A plane from Kolkata that landed here was grounded after a stepladder ploughed into the plane’s rear section. According to airport sources, Jet Airways Konnect flight 9W2453 that flew in from Kolkata around 12.55 pm on Saturday, had taxied in and parked in bay number 28. As passengers lined up to exit, the truck that towed both the stepladders approached the aircraft. After depositing the first stepladder at the front door, the tow truck is believed to have moved to the rear door to attach the second. Both ladders were deemed necessary as the plane was a large Boeing 737–800, said sources.Thinking he had detached the ladder from the truck, the driver pulled away and began driving towards the terminal. However, as the ladder was still attached, it was dragged along and rammed the tail portion of the plane. This allegedly jarred the entire plane and passengers were asked to quickly exit through the front door. No one was hurt or injured.“The horizontal stabiliser that is situated near the tail was badly damaged in the collision,” said a source in the ATC. This stabilizer keeps the plane stable when flying straight. “As this is an operational offence, the plane cannot be operated till we receive a clearance from the DGCA,” said the official. Inspection and subsequent recertification are expected to be held on Monday, until which the aircraft will have its wings clipped. Jet Airways could not be reached for comment.
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