DGCA official inspects Emirates plane

KOCHI: An official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation early Monday completed inspection of the Kochi-bound Emirates aircraft from Dubai, which experienced a major air turbulence prior to descent leading to injuries to as many as 23 people.

Dorairaj, Assistant Director of DGCA Chennai office, inspected the Boeing EK530 aircraft from Sunday night till 4 am Monday, airport officials said.

There were 364 persons, including crew, on board the flight.

The DGCA has already ordered an inquiry into the incident.

The UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has said it had also launched an investigation and was coordinating with Indian civil aviation authorities.

The GCAA said 23 people, including three crew members, were injured, but the airline put the number at 20.

The aircraft encountered a weather cloud at 35,000 feet over Bangalore region. A short period of heavy turbulence prior to descent into India caused minor injuries to about 20 persons, including a child, Emirates said in a statement Sunday.

The drop in altitude was minor -- a descent of 200 ft -- and the aircraft landed safely, it had said.